What is glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder. It is characterised by brief episodes of intense pain that come and go.
It is a rare condition and usually affects one side of the face. The most common affected areas are the throat, ear, tongue and jaw.
What causes glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is caused by compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve (9th cranial nerve). This is often due to a pulsating blood vessel nearby. In turn, this irritates the nerve, resulting in the symptoms.
It is usually triggered by swallowing, coughing, or talking.
What are the symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
The symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia include intense pain in the ear, tongue and back of the throat.
Some people also describe:
- An electric shock or burning sensation
- Unilateral pain which can move to the neck
- Sensation of an object stuck in the throat.
