(See also Overview of Neuro-ophthalmologic and Cranial Nerve Disorders.)
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is rare, more commonly affecting men, usually after age 40.
Etiology of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia sometimes results from nerve compression by an aberrant, pulsating artery similar to that in trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. The nerve may be compressed in the neck by an elongated styloid process (Eagle syndrome).
Rarely, the cause is a tumor in the cerebellopontine angle or the neck, a peritonsillar abscess, a carotid aneurysm, or a demyelinating disorder.
Often, no cause is identified.
Symptoms and Signs of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
As in trigeminal neuralgia, paroxysmal attacks of unilateral brief, excruciating pain occur spontaneously or are precipitated when areas innervated by the glossopharyngeal nerve are stimulated (eg, by chewing, swallowing, coughing, talking, yawning, or sneezing). The pain, lasting seconds to a few minutes, usually begins in the tonsillar region or at the base of the tongue and may radiate to the ipsilateral ear.
Occasionally, increased activation of the vagus nerve due to its connections with the glossopharyngeal nerve causes sinus arrest with syncope; episodes may occur daily or once every few weeks.
Diagnosis of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Clinical evaluation, often including response to anesthetics
MRI
Diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is clinical.
MRI is done to exclude tonsillar, pharyngeal, and cerebellopontine angle tumors and metastatic lesions in the anterior cervical triangle. X-rays or CT can be done to look for an elongated styloid process below the ear, which could be compressing the nerve.
Local nerve blocks done by an otolaryngologist can help distinguish between carotidynia, superior laryngeal neuralgia, and pain caused by tumors.
Treatment of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Usually antiseizure drugs
Treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is the same as that for trigeminal neuralgia
Key Points
The pain of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is similar to that of trigeminal neuralgia.
Do MRI to distinguish glossopharyngeal neuralgia from tumors and metastatic lesions.
Treat as for trigeminal neuralgia (usually with antiseizure drugs).
If drugs are ineffective, try local anesthetics, but microvascular decompression may be necessary.
