What is Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition in which the ninth cranial nervus , call the glossopharyngeal nervus gets affected . Any variety of innervation of this face can guide to a set of complaint see in glossopharyngeal neuralgia . As the nerve supply the back of the throat , tongue and spike neighborhood , symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia are chiefly locate in these area .
In glossopharyngeal neuralgy , pain is feel in the tongue , back of throat , tonsils and ear region due to the irritation of the cheek . Sharp , sudden pains can be felt like galvanising seismic disturbance and can be very severe sometimes . While the pains in glossopharyngeal neuralgia can last for few seconds to minutes in most cases , it may last for long in some people . It is of import to realize the causes of glossopharyngeal neuralgia and the associated symptom to be able to manage the precondition effectively .
Causes of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia originates from terms to the ninth cranial face , call in the glossopharyngeal face . This cheek supply to the back of natural language and throat expanse .
Some of its branch also render the tonsils , ear and the neighborhood around the jaw joint .
While the cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia , can vary from person to person , depending on their condition , in most cases , vexation of the glossopharyngeal nerve is present . In some people , when the exact grounds may not be known , then glossopharyngeal neuralgia can be considered as idiopathic . Some of the causes that can be related to glossopharyngeal neuralgia in most people let in conditions that get compressing , scathe or innervation of the glossopharyngeal nerve , like injuries , growths or arterial compression .
Nerve Injury – Common Cause of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
The glossopharyngeal cheek pass through a area behind the pinna and the cervix . As this region it is debunk to greater jeopardy of injuries and impairment to the nerve can go on . Certain activities , injuries or sport can increase the peril of injury to the glossopharyngeal nerve . Injuries or trauma to this area can commonly occur during sports , due to direct coke over the neck and ear region , or a fall causing nervus injury .
Vehicular fortuity , rearward or front end collision and cervix injury too can unremarkably have damage to the glossopharyngeal brass make glossopharyngeal neuralgy . Sudden cervix campaign or a blow can damage or rile the glossopharyngeal nerve situated in this region . Any other condition that constrict or damages the nerve can contribute to the causa of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Caused Due to Nerve Compression from Artery
Arterial compression is yet another common cause of nerve compression that can have glossopharyngeal neuralgia . A blood watercraft near the brain stem , most commonly an artery can exert atmospheric pressure over the spunk and result in pain in the area provide by the glossopharyngeal nerve .
Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Caused Due to Tumor
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia can also be cause due to a lesion , development or neoplasm in the region , through which the glossopharyngeal mettle straits . The emergence or tumour can have condensation of the glossopharyngeal nerve , which irritates the nerve and can cause glossopharyngeal neuralgy .
Some other conditions that affect the region around the expanse through which the glossopharyngeal nerve passing play , can irritate the spunk causing glossopharyngeal neuralgy . These let in
Symptoms of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgy , is a fairly uncommon condition as compared to other problem of nerve damage , however it can be observe in some case . Women may be at an increased risk of glossopharyngeal neuralgia and elderly universe may also have it . masses experiencing glossopharyngeal neuralgia often complaint of sudden , acute and severe hurting in the look region , extending from the ears to the throat . The precise location of pain may alter from someone to someone .
rough-cut symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia include sharp , electric shock like pains , which give a opinion of sudden jamming in the area . This may be accompanied with a sensory faculty ofburning pain , as typically originating from nerve irritation . The location of the glossopharyngeal nerve is around the ears and throat , hence activities tie in to the pinna and movements of the jaw joint often worsen the pain in the ass in glossopharyngeal neuralgia . Areas most commonly affected include back of tongue , back of nose and pharynx , tonsils , spokesperson box and ear neighborhood .
Common activities like blab , recitation , singing , yawn , feeding , jaw and even swallowing may be difficult and painful . Symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia also include pharynx pain , more normally on the touched side , may be associated with a sensation of something sharp being lodged in the throat . cough , sneezing too can exasperate symptom of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
pain in the neck in glossopharyngeal neuralgia can last for variegate duration . In some , pain may last for few days or weeks , while in some it may last longer . In most cases , symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia or an episode may usually last for few second , when the pain in the neck is truly unbearable . symptom of glossopharyngeal neuralgia may subside for some time but often re-emerge later on or may be trigger off by certain factors .
As time come about , most complaints of glossopharyngeal neuralgia may decline and begin interpose with day-after-day activities , if result untreated . Difficulty in chew and swallowing can affect food intake in many people and may also result inloss of appetence , weight lossand weakness . As talking causes painful sensation in glossopharyngeal neuralgia and when daily life gets affected , people may interact less with others , increasing the peril of emotional disturbance anddepression .
Some people may also show symptom of glossopharyngeal neuralgia in association with problems of bear on nerves . These symptoms can let in change in blood pressure and fainting , which may be weigh as complication of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
Diagnosis of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
diagnosing of glossopharyngeal neuralgia get down with thoroughgoing history pickings . History may reveal conditions that can be potential causal agency of glossopharyngeal neuralgy . Any old injury or trauma to the point or neck arena must be enquire and appropriately evaluated . premature story of surgeries , ear or dental discussion and similar other procedures or medical treatment is take down .
Details about the symptom of glossopharyngeal neuralgia are note and co - related with the history . Assessment for glossopharyngeal neuralgia is very important and must be done in a systematic manner . The location , nature of pain and the duration for which it lasts must be considered . As different multitude present with different symptom , each symptom of glossopharyngeal neuralgia must be enquired about . The number of pain episode and their repeat need to be considered . exacerbating factors and other triggers can give a clue to the potential causes and aid in diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
The next whole step towards making diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgy , include clinical examination and neurological examination . The MD examines the arena supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve , valuate the functioning of the contribution and evaluates heftiness control in the area . Physician may quiz chewing , tasting , swallowing routine and other activity relate to the carrying into action of the glossopharyngeal cheek . Physician may make utilisation of a local anesthetic agent and endeavor to elicit a pain reply by triggering some sensitive surface area supply by the glossopharyngeal nerve .
Causes of glossopharyngeal neuralgia are kept in creative thinker considering the history of the affected role and the possibility of spunk contraction is regulate with the help of these tests . History taking and primary assessment of the patient give an idea and appropriate investigations for glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be ordered .
Investigations for Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Clinical examination , story and assessment can reveal most potential cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia ; however sealed investigations may be required to harness out possible serious cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . Also , for a known story of previous injury or operating room , sure probe may be considered to measure the condition of injury or surgery , its carnal knowledge to suit of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
Some of investigations for diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia or to rule out other conditions include :
Magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) – MRI scan may be reckon to detect injuries , tissue wrong , soft tissue interest or compression of spunk and origin vessels . It also helps to determine the presence of growths , tumors or any mental defectiveness with blood vas . MRI is ordered for the area possibly involved in the causes of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . MRI can also serve to determine the involvement of intervertebral phonograph recording in slip of cervical pricker or when neck is involved with other head or facial structures as a effort of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . Specialized MRI scans can be useful in detect roue clots , arteriovenous malformations and other disorder of the arteries and veins , which can be the causes of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
Other investigations to diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgy .
Electromyogram ( EMG ) – This test helps to hit the books the action of the muscles of the face , pharynx and related to orbit . It can help in diagnosing of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . foreplay of the nerve can show relevant changes and contractions in the muscles , which are put down . This can also help to rein out or support diagnosing of any other nerve involvement .
Nerve Conduction Study ( NCS ) – This helps to study the pattern and conductivity of signal through the nerve . change in the nerve conductivity are recorded , which can aid in potential diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
Angiogram – When involvement of a blood vessel , an aneurysm or concretion of the glossopharyngeal nerve due to an artery is suspected , work of the arterial blood vessel can help oneself . An angiogram may be performed to confirm the diagnosis of glossopharyngeal neuralgia or to plan further operative treatment , in some case .
Other investigations that can serve to dominate out other conditions have glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be govern , as appropriate .
Treatment of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
discourse for glossopharyngeal neuralgia admit medications , injectant and in certain display case , which do not reply well to any treatment , operative option may be considered .
Medications to Treat Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Medications are effectively used for discussion of glossopharyngeal neuralgy . These include
Most of these medicines have side personal effects like dizziness , sickness , gastric folie , etc . These medicines that can supply relief from glossopharyngeal neuralgia need to be taken with physician ’s advice and any side consequence must be discourse to find a solution .
Physical Therapy – forcible therapyfor glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be practice . It uses mood to relax tense muscles , cut painful sensation , discomfort any muscle cramp , which may be considered , as appropriate . electric boldness arousal ( TENS ) and similar technique that aid to unlax brawn and relieve irritated glossopharyngeal nerve may be considered .
Nutritional Therapy – Glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be considered to happen due to loss of protective masking of the nerve and certain nutrients can assist in wield it . want of sure vitamins and mineral may be related to the complaints of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . In such case , along with a healthy diet , nutritional supplements may be counsel . Magnesium , atomic number 20 , atomic number 26 or other mineral and vitamin B12 , folic acid and B complex may help to carry off glossopharyngeal neuralgy in some cases . Vitamin and mineral appurtenance may be prescribed , as appropriate in such cases .
For persons with glossopharyngeal neuralgia , who are unable to eat , increased fluid aspiration is essential . Nutritional drinks and consumption of food in liquid form may be considered .
Surgical Treatment of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Surgery for glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be debate count on the cause . The aim of operative discussion for glossopharyngeal neuralgia may be to release the nerve from concretion , remove the structure causing heart concretion or to cut the brass to reduce pain signals . If tumors or similar growth are the cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia , appropriate discourse includes operate and get rid of them .
Procedures like rhizotomy or rhizolysis are do in different way to treat glossopharyngeal neuralgy . These are aimed at damaging the nerve , which avail to block off the pain sign .
Some OR of glossopharyngeal neuralgia include :
Apart from these , there are sure procedures for treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia , or boldness rhizotomy which can be performed let in :
Complementary Treatment Options of Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Some people with glossopharyngeal neuralgia may discover complementary therapies helpful . These include :
Alternative Medicine – alternate therapies like Homeopathy , Ayurveda , Acupunctureor other healing techniques may be helpful in some cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . Yogatherapy and stress management , relaxation techniques may also be useful . speculation and external respiration techniques are believe to help in managing pain in the neck experimental condition and can be do under expert guidance .
Counselling and Psychotherapy – reinforcement from a counsellor can help people with glossopharyngeal neuralgia as incumbrance with daily activeness can make managing the shape difficult . interact with family line , friends and professional therapists can facilitate to deal with the situation better .
Diet – A diet fertile in whole metric grain , tidy fat , fresh fruits , vegetables and pile of water can be helpful in managing cheek pain condition like glossopharyngeal neuralgy . drink mickle to water and fluids to preserve electrolyte equalizer , helps to provide lubrication to joint and keeps muscles supple . consume foods copious in mineral like magnesium , calcium , potassium , which are usually found in fruits , green vegetables , nut case , seeds and beans can be good .
For citizenry experiencing other aesculapian conditions like diabetes or high stock pressure level , the risk of nerve terms is gamey . Hence , an appropairae diet plan that helps to managediabetes , high ancestry pressure is important to cut down the peril of complication . A low lettuce , low salt and low fat diet can help in addition to even usage or everyday walks .
Massage – Gentle massage can help to relieve the stress in the muscles and relieve muscle cramp , which may be contributing to the symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia .
While most of the complemental therapies can help to let off pain in glossopharyngeal neuralgy , they go best when applied in gain to the main handling of glossopharyngeal neuralgia . It is advisable to take aesculapian opinion before undertaking any other handling alternative and if there is worsening of symptom , immediate medical concern must be sought .
