Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

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Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia is described as a deep stabbing pain in one

side of the throat. The pain is near the tonsil area and can extend into

the ear. J. Lovely, M.D. , J. Jannetta, M.D. of the

University of Pittsburgh have a brief discussion on their experiences

treating this condition at: Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia.

In addition, the following article goes into greater detail although it

does not discuss microvascular decompression surgery as a possible

treatment.

The following article is excerpted from:

THE MANAGEMENT OF PAIN,

VOL 1, Second Edition, 1990, Lea & Febiger, Philadelphia]

CRANIAL NEURALGIAS

D. Loeser

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is characterized by shock like pains in the

territory of the glossopharyngeal nerve. It is in every way similar to

tic douloureux except for the distribution of the pain and the customary

site of the triggering stimulus.

Symptoms and Signs

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is characterized by excruciating

shock-like-pain in the region of the tonsilar fossa, pharynx, or base of

the tongue. It can radiate to the ear or the angle of the jaw or into

the upper lateral neck. The trigger zone is often in the same area, and

patients frequently report that swallowing, yawning, clearing the

throat, or talking is the precipitating stimulus. The pain often appears

to be spontaneous. Chewing or touching the face does not precipitate an

attack. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is much less common than tic

dourloureux---the incidence ratio is about 1:100.