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Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is also called vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia. It is characterized by brief but intense pain on one side of the throat, which may radiate within the mouth or into the ear. Attacks are described as sharp, stabbing or burning in quality. They may occur spontaneously or be provoked by talking, chewing, swallowing, coughing and yawning. Some sufferers also describe other sensations in the throat such as clicking, scratching or a foreign body sensation. In rare cases the pain may become associated with fainting (or syncope). This disorder is similar to trigeminal neuralgia, but involves the glossopharyngeal and vagus cranial nerves (also called the IXth and Xth nerves). Like trigeminal neuralgia, GPN initially includes periods of remission that over time decrease in duration, while the severity and frequency of painful attacks increases with time. A diagnosis of GPN is also established on the basis of a clinical history and normal neurologic, dental and MRI findings. Unlike TN, carbamazepine and other medications are generally less effective in controlling pain and are not typically used as a diagnostic test. Applying anesthetic solution to the affected area of the mouth or throat which may temporarily alleviate the pain, and has been proposed as a diagnostic test for GPN. Three forms of GPN can be distinguished: Typical GPN, Atypical GPN and Secondary GPN. Typical GPN is usually caused by vascular compression of the IXth and Xth cranial nerve rootlets entering the lateral medulla. Atypical GPN involves a prominent associated aching or burning pain in the involved side of the face. Secondary GPN is caused by a tumor injuring the glossopharyngeal nerve in the neck or base of the skull (see Cranial Based Tumors). GPN is rarely associated with multiple-sclerosis. Continue to Treatments. |
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