Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
HCA UK neurosurgeons can relieve intense pain from glossopharyngeal neuralgia using advanced surgical techniques
About
Need to know
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Symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia icon plus
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
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Diagnosis icon plus
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.
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Potential treatment options icon plus
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.
Our consultants
Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street
London W1G 8BJ
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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Chiswick Medical Centre
Bond House
347-353 Chiswick High Road
London W4 4HS
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Devonshire Diagnostic Centre
16 Devonshire Street
Marylebone
London W1G 7AF
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
Book an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344