How to Recognize Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Symptoms

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a painful progressive disorder affecting the glossopharyngeal nerve (alternatively known as the ninth cranial nerve) that regulates sensations felt deep in the throat. Also called cranial mononeuropathy IX, the condition can be excruciating and debilitating during attacks. Understanding the symptoms of the condition is easy, however, with relevant basic information.

Instructions

• 1

  Note any recurring episodes of intensely sharp pain in the ear, larynx, tongue, tonsils, throat, or back of the nose. One or more of those symptoms often accompany glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Pain may stop for periods of time, but usually returns.

• 2

  Time the length of attacks, which can last from several seconds to several minutes. Pain typically begins on one side of the throat near the tonsils and then may travel up to and inside the ear.

• 3

  Recognize the potential triggers for episodes of pain related to glossopharyngeal neuralgia. They include chewing, clearing the throat, coughing, laughing, swallowing, talking, and yawning. Eating spicy food or drinking cold liquids may make resulting pain even worse.

• 4

  Understand how glossopharyngeal neuralgia develops. Compression and irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve cause the condition. Both may result from blood vessels exerting pressure on the nerve, infections or tumors in the mouth and throat, and lesions on the lower part of the skull.

• 5

  Treat the condition by visiting a qualified doctor. Medical intervention will likely involve controlling pain with effective drugs, such as antidepressants (for example, amitriptyline) or antiseizure medications (for instance, phenytoin). However, non-prescription pain killers like aspirin and ibuprofen are generally inadequate. Surgery to relieve pressure may also work in severe cases.