Glossopharyngeal neuralgia: A comprehensive update

Abstract

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) is an unusualclinical condition where severe paroxysmal pain of the glossopharyngeal nerve. GN pain should be differentiated from trigeminal neuralgia pain, as the two neuralgias share several similar features. Thorough medical history coupled with a detailed clinical examination and hematologic and radiographic investigations is necessary for early and accurate diagnosis. Anticonvulsants form the cornerstone of the medical management, and surgical interventions (microvascular decompression and gamma knife surgery) is needed in cases resistant to pharmacotherapy.