Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Alternate Names : Glossopharyngeal Tic

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia begins with a history of the attacks and a physical exam. The healthcare provider may try to bring on an attack by touching the back of the throat or asking the person to cough or swallow. A local anesthetic can then be sprayed in the back of the throat, which usually stops the attack.

It is important to make sure there is not a more serious cause for the symptoms. A CT scan or MRI may be done to rule out a more serious cause, such as a tumor or stroke.