brain, spinal cord, and nerve disorders
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
In glossopharyngeal neuralgia, attacks are brief and occur intermittently, but they cause excruciating pain. Attacks may be triggered by a particular action, such as chewing, swallowing, talking, yawning, coughing, or sneezing. The pain usually begins at the back of the tongue, back of the throat, or the area near the tonsils. Sometimes pain spreads to the ear or the area at the back of the jaw. The pain may last several seconds to a few minutes and usually affects only one side of the throat and tongue. If the vagus nerve malfunctions, disturbing the heart rate, people may faint. 