GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NEURALGIA

GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NEURALGIA - Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an irritation of the ninth cranial nerve causing extreme pain in the back of the throat, tongue and ear. Attacks of intense, electric shock-like pain can occur without warning or can be triggered by swallowing. Although the exact cause is not known, a blood vessel is often found compressing the nerve. It can also occur in people with throat or neck cancer.

In glossopharyngeal neuralgia, attacks are brief and occur intermittently, but they cause excruciating pain. Attacks may be triggered by a particular action, such as chewing, swallowing, talking, yawning, coughing, or sneezing. The pain usually begins at the back of the tongue or back of the throat. Sometimes pain spreads to the ear or the area at the back of the jaw. The pain may last several seconds to a few minutes and usually affects only one side of the throat and tongue.

CAUSES

• 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.