What Is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?
Common Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Do I Have Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?
If you are experiencing extreme intermittent pain in the back of the throat, you may have Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia. While the pain can extend to other parts of the body such as the tongue or ear, most patients suffer from severe pain around the area of the tonsils.
What Are the Symptoms?
The pain of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia is described as sharp and jabbing. The pain is generally experienced in the back of the throat but can be felt in the ear, the mouth or tongue, and pharynx. It is often triggered by daily activities like eating, drinking, talking, or swallowing. Patients have been known to experience a slowed heart rate during an attack, which in some cases can lead to loss of consciousness.
What Causes My Pain?
In some cases the cause for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia symptoms is unclear; however, the majority of cases are caused by the compression or irritation of the ninth cranial nerve by surrounding blood vessels as the nerves exit the brainstem.
How Does Dr. Alain de Lotbinière Diagnose?
Dr. de Lotbinière will review your medical history and check for risk factors associated with this condition. He may employ imaging such as MRI to confirm the diagnosis or ensure there are no tumors or other obstructions present causing compression.
What Are the Treatment Options?
While there are medications that may help control episodes and pain, the most common treatment for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia is a microvascular decompression of the glossopharyngeal nerve. This minimally-invasive surgical procedure separates the nerve from the interfering vessel, relieving pressure and the symptoms.
Where Do I Turn for Help?
If you think you may be suffering from this painful condition, Dr. de Lotbinière can help you find relief. He utilizes cutting-edge techniques and surgical methods to provide the best outcomes possible for his patients. You can book an appointment at either of his office locations in Connecticut or New York.