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Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Cranial mononeuropathy IX; Weisenberg syndrome; GPN

 

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare condition in which there are repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils. This can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Causes

 

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve. Symptoms usually begin in people over age 50.

In most cases, the source of irritation is never found. Possible causes for this type of nerve pain (neuralgia) are:

  • Blood vessels pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve
  • Growths at the base of the skull pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve
  • Tumors or infections of the throat and mouth pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve

 

Symptoms

 

The pain usually occurs on one side, and may be jabbing. In rare cases both sides are involved. Symptoms include severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve:

  • Back of the nose and throat (nasopharynx)
  • Back of the tongue
  • Ear
  • Throat
  • Tonsil area
  • Voice box (larynx)

The pain occurs in episodes and may be severe. The episodes can occur many times each day, and awaken the person from sleep. It can sometimes be triggered by:

  • Chewing
  • Coughing
  • Laughing
  • Speaking
  • Swallowing
  • Yawning

 

Exams and Tests

 

Tests will be done to identify problems, such as tumors, at the base of the skull. Tests may include:

  • Blood tests to rule out any infection or tumor
  • CT scan of the head
  • MRI of the head
  • X-rays of the head or neck

Sometimes the MRI may show swelling (inflammation) of the glossopharyngeal nerve.

To find out whether a blood vessel is pressing on the nerve, pictures of the brain arteries may be taken using:

  • Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
  • CT angiogram
  • X-rays of the arteries with a dye (conventional angiography)

 

Treatment

 

The goal of treatment is to control pain. The most effective drugs are antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine. Antidepressants may help certain people.

In severe cases, when pain is difficult to treat, surgery to take pressure off the glossopharyngeal nerve may be needed. This is called microvascular decompression. The nerve can also be cut (rhizotomy). Both surgeries are effective. If a cause of the neuralgia is found, treatment should control the underlying problem.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well you do depends on the cause of the problem and the effectiveness of the first treatment. Surgery is considered effective for people who do not benefit from medicines.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of GPN may include:

  • Slow pulse and fainting may occur when pain is severe
  • Damage to the carotid artery or internal jugular artery due to injuries, such as a stab wound
  • Difficulty in swallowing food and speaking
  • Side effects of the medicines used

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

See your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of GPN.

See a pain specialist if the pain is severe, to be sure that you are aware of all your options for controlling pain.

 

 

References

Rucker JC, Thurtell MJ. Cranial neuropathies. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 104.

Waldman SD. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. In: Waldman SD, ed. Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 19.

Zakrzewska JM, Chen HI, Lee JYK. Trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia. In: McMahon SB, Koltzenburg M, Tracey I, Turk DC, eds. Wall and Melzack's Textbook of Pain . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 66.

 
  • Glossopharyngeal neuralgia - illustration

    Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve. The condition is marked by repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

    Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

    illustration

    • Glossopharyngeal neuralgia - illustration

      Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve. The condition is marked by repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

      Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

      illustration

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        Review Date: 5/30/2016

        Reviewed By: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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