The glossopharyneal nerve, or 9th cranial nerve, supplies sensation to parts of the ear and throat. Certain disorders of this nerve may produce a severe pain syndrome. Like trigeminal neuralgia, the pain comes in very brief episodes, but is very severe. There may be areas of the throat which act as trigger points, there stimulation bringing on the pain.
Causes of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
As with trigeminal neuralgia, the pain associated with glossopharyngeal neuralgia is thought to arise from damage to the ninth cranial nerve. This damage usually occurs as one of the arteries of the brain passes close to the nerve. The nerve is compressed, just as it exits the brainstem. This damage to the nerve is thought to be the mechanism for the production of the pain of glossopharyngeal neuralgia.
Signs and Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Very short bouts of severe pain that recur very frequently are typical of trigeminal neuralgia. The pain is usually located somewhere in the mouth or throat. Stimulation of those areas may trigger the pain.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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