What can irritate the glossopharyngeal nerve?
In some cases, the source of the irritation is found to be increased pressure on the glossopharyngeal nerve, such as an abnormally positioned artery, growths at the base of the skull, an infection, an injury, or tumors of the throat, mouth, or brain.
How do you get rid of glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
The most effective drugs are antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine. Antidepressants may help certain people. In severe cases, when pain is difficult to treat, surgery to take pressure off the glossopharyngeal nerve may be needed. This is called microvascular decompression.
Is glossopharyngeal neuralgia considered a disability?
If you suffer from neuralgia and need to apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, then you can potentially qualify to receive disability in two different ways: meet the criteria of a listed impairment, or. satisfy the requirements for a medical vocational allowance.
Is Glossopharyngeal neuralgia life threatening?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is life-threatening condition because it is associated with cardiac arrest, hypotension, syncope and weight loss. Treatment with carbamazepine is affected in patients with cardiovascular manifestations.
How long does Glossopharyngeal neuralgia last?
The pain usually has the following features: Affects one side of the throat. Can last several days or weeks, followed by a remission for months or years. Occurs more frequently over time and may become disabling.
What are the symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia in men?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare disorder. It usually begins after the age of 40, and is more common in men. The symptoms include severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve (glossopharyngeal nerve). These areas include the back of the throat, tonsillar region, the back third of the tongue, back of the nose, larynx, and the ear.
Can a person with glossopharyngeal neuralgia be inherited?
In most cases, glossopharyngeal neuralgia is caused by irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve and is not inherited (passed down from parent to child). In most cases, a person with glossopharyngeal neuralgia is the only person with the disorder in the family.
What causes irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve?
[1] Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is thought to be caused by irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, but the exact cause of the irritation is sometimes unknown. [1] Laboratory and imaging tests can be used to diagnose the disorder and rule out serious underlying problems.
Are there side effects to surgery for glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
In some cases, side effects of surgery may include loss of sensation in the mouth and throat. Some people with glossopharyngeal neuralgia have just one episode of pain, others may have episodes that occur in clusters with periods in between without any episodes of pain.