[Glossopharyngeal neuralgia]

Abstract

Background: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare but nevertheless important condition as it can be very incapacitating and as effective treatment is available.

Material and methods: We provide a review of the epidemiology, aetiology, differential diagnosis and treatment of this condition based on a Medline search.

Results and interpretation: Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is characterised by severe unilateral pain in the posterior pharynx, tonsillar fossa, and base of the tongue. It is commonly provoked by swallowing, talking and coughing. In most cases the condition is caused by compression of the nerve by an artery, usually the postero inferior cerebellar artery. Medical treatment with carbamazepin or gabapentin is considered first choice. In patients not responding to medical treatment, surgery should be considered; microvascular decompression is considered the first choice of surgical treatment.