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Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia causes severe, electric shock-like pain in the ear and/or throat when the cranial nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve, is compressed. The condition can be triggered by either a blood vessel pushing on the nerve, a tumor at the base of the skull or an infection of the throat and mouth. Men older than 40 are most likely to suffer from glossopharyngeal neuralgia. Medications may initially relieve the pain, but surgery is often needed for long-term relief.

Best in Care

The AdventHealth Neuroscience Institute is a state-of-the art facility for adults and children affected by glossopharyngeal neuralgia. We specialize in minimally invasive treatments that pinpoint nerve compression so that surgeons can alleviate the pressure and eliminate the pain of glossopharyngeal neuralgia. 

Recovery times also are shorter with minimally invasive surgeries, because no incision is made.