Glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Title

Summary Summary

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition characterized by repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils (areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve, or glossopharyngeal nerve). It typically occurs in individuals over age 40. Episodes of pain may last from a few seconds to a few minutes, and usually occur on one side. The pain may be triggered by swallowing, speaking, laughing, chewing or coughing. The condition is thought to be due to irritation of the nerve, although the source of irritation is unclear. The goal of treatment is to control pain, but over-the-counter pain medications are not very effective; the most effective drugs are anti-seizure medications. Some antidepressants help certain people. Surgery to cut or take pressure off of the glossopharyngeal nerve may be needed in severe cases.^[1]

Last updated: 1/28/2013

Symptoms Symptoms

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is characterized by repeated episodes of severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve (glossopharyngeal nerve): the back of the nose and throat; back of the tongue; ear; tonsil area; and voice box. These episodes, or "attacks," may last for a few seconds or a few minutes. They may be triggered by actions such as coughing or sneezing, swallowing, talking, laughing,or chewing.^[1]^[2] Pain usually begins at the back of the tongue or throat, and it sometimes spreads to the ear or the back of the jaw. In rare cases the heartbeat may be affected, which can cause fainting.^[2]

Last updated: 1/28/2013

Cause Cause

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve. In many cases, the source of the irritation is not found.^[1] Possible causes that have been proposed include various things pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve such as an abnormally positioned artery, growths at the base of the skull, or tumors or infections of the throat and mouth.^[1]^[2] Rarely, the condition may be attributable to a tumor in the brain or neck, an abscess, an aneurysm in an artery in the neck, or multiple sclerosis.^[2]

Last updated: 1/28/2013

Inheritance Inheritance

To our knowlege, there is no evidence that glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an inherited condition.

Last updated: 1/28/2013

Treatment Treatment

The main goal of treatment for glossopharyngeal neuralgia is to control pain. Over-the-counter pain medications are generally not very effective in affected individuals. However, anti-seizure medications such as carbamazepine, gabapentin, pregabalin, and phenytoin have reportedly been effective. Some antidepressants may help some individuals.^[1] The application of local anesthetics to the affected region may also be beneficial.^[3] In severe cases, affected individuals may need surgery to cut or take pressure off of the glossopharyngeal nerve; these surgeries are generally considered effective. If an underlying cause for the condition is identified, treatment is generally aimed at the underlying problem.^[1]

Last updated: 1/28/2013

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Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA)
P.O. Box 850
Rocklin, CA 95677-0850
Toll-free: 800-533-3231
Telephone: 916-632-0922
Fax: 916-632-3208
E-mail: ACPA@pacbell.net
Website: https://theacpa.org/
Pain Relief Foundation
Clinical Sciences Centre
University Hospital Aintree, Lower Lane
Liverpool L9 7AL
United Kingdom
Telephone: 0151 529 5820
Fax: 0151 529 5821
E-mail: secretary@painrelieffoundation.org.uk
http://www.painrelieffoundation.org.uk/
TNA -- Facial Pain Association (formerly the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association)
408 W. University Ave.
Suite 602
Gainesville, FL 32601
Toll-free: 800-923-3608
Telephone: 352-384-3600
Fax: 352-384-3606
E-mail: info@fpa-support.org
Website: http://www.endthepain.org

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Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library provides information on this condition for patients and caregivers.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.

In-Depth Information

The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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