What is glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
A person with glossopharyngeal neuralgia has irritation of the glossopharyngeal nerve, a cranial nerve that provides feeling to the tongue and throat. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is caused by pressure on the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) by either a tumor or by a blood vessel. Inflammation of the glossopharyngeal nerve may also cause glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

What are the symptoms of glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia most commonly causes severe pain in the tongue or throat. Other symptoms include jaw pain and ear pain.

How does the doctor treat glossopharyngeal neuralgia?
Treatment of glossopharyngeal neuralgia may include medications (carbamazepine) to control the frequency of painful episodes and pain relievers. Surgery can be performed in some cases to control severe glossopharyngeal neuralgia.