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Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
HCA UK neurosurgeons can relieve intense pain from glossopharyngeal neuralgia using advanced surgical techniques
About
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is where the ninth cranial nerve (the glossopharyngeal nerve) becomes irritated. The nerve enters the brainstem and gives feeling to the back of the throat, tongue and ear. Irritation causes intense attacks of extreme pain in these areas. The condition is thought to be caused by a blood vessel pulsating against the nerve.
Need to know
Symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia are often triggered by swallowing, coughing or laughing. They include:
- an electric shock or burning sensation
- pain on one side of the throat, lasting days or weeks
- a sense that a sharp object is stuck in the throat
Your consultant neurosurgeon will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis.
The symptoms of glosspharyngeal neuralgia are characteristic and are sufficient to make the diagnosis without the need for many tests, although an MRI scan will be requested to check for compression — either by a nerve or tumour.
The symptoms of glosspharyngeal neuralgia are characteristic and are sufficient to make the diagnosis without the need for many tests, although an MRI scan will be requested to check for compression — either by a nerve or tumour.
The intense pain caused by glossopharyngeal neuralgia can be managed through medication.
If this fails, microvascular decompression surgery is an option. Here, Teflon wool is placed between the blood vessel and the nerve, so that the nerve is no longer compressed. The nerve is accessed behind the ear in a procedure called a craniectomy.
You will usually be discharged from hospital after two to three days.
If this fails, microvascular decompression surgery is an option. Here, Teflon wool is placed between the blood vessel and the nerve, so that the nerve is no longer compressed. The nerve is accessed behind the ear in a procedure called a craniectomy.
You will usually be discharged from hospital after two to three days.
Our Glossopharyngeal neuralgia locations
London Neurosurgery Partnership
78 Harley Street W1G 7HJ London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.