What is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?
When there is an irritation or an attack of intense electric shock-like pain which is felt in the back of the throat, tongue, ear or tonsil it is known as Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. The Glossopharyngeal nerve is the ninth cranial nerve that arises from the brainstem inside the skull. Initially, one may experience a short or mild attack with periods of remission, but the pain may progress causing longer frequent attacks.
Facial pain diagnosis tools may help you diagnose the Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia.
Symptoms
It may include severe pain in the connected areas to the ninth cranial nerve such as:
- Back of throat and nose
- Tonsil area
- Ear
- Back of tongue
- Larynx or voice box
The pain may be triggered by swallowing, coughing, chewing, laughing etc.
How to Diagnose?
With the initial throat pain, a general doctor or dentist is consulted. They will let you know if you require further evaluation such as a neurologist or neurosurgeon for Glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Generally, the diagnosis is carefully done with facial pain diagnosis tools. If it is suspected, the doctor will check by touching the back of the throat with a swab. If it triggers and causes pain then topical anaesthetic is applied there and will try the pain stimulus again to act. If there is no pain (as the area is numb) then glossopharyngeal neuralgia is diagnosed.
This above procedure is used when there is the initial stage. Further, MRI/MRA is done to check for tumours or blood vessels compressing the nerve or not.
Few Words
Trigeminal Neuralgia is sometimes misdiagnosed with Glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Therefore, be sure you see a proper suitable doctor who can distinguish between both of this.
Virtual Headache Specialist 