Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Alternate Names : Glossopharyngeal Tic

What are the treatments for the condition?

Medications that are used to treat seizures, such as carbamazepine, are often used to control the pain. If medications cannot control the pain, the person may need to have surgery. Surgery can involve either moving blood vessels and other tissue that surround the nerve, or cutting or removing parts of the nerve.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Carbamazepine and other antiseizure medications can cause dizziness, allergic reactions, and stomach upset. Surgery often reduces sensation to the throat, the back of the mouth, and the tongue. Infections and swallowing problems may also occur.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

It is hard to predict the course of glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Some people may not have any more pain after treatment, while others may continue to have bouts of pain. Different medications and surgeries can be tried if certain treatments fail to solve the problem.

How is the condition monitored?

Any change in symptoms or response to treatment should be reported to the healthcare provider. Blood tests may be needed to monitor the medications used to treat glossopharyngeal neuralgia.