Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare cranial neuropathy characterized by paroxysmal, severe pain in the distribution of the glossopharyngeal nerve, including the throat, ear, and tonsillar region. Etiologies include vascular compression, tumors, or idiopathic causes. Pathophysiology involves hyperexcitability of nerve fibers and ephaptic transmission. Diagnosis is clinical, supplemented by MRI to exclude structural causes. Management includes anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine), microvascular decompression, or gamma knife surgery for refractory cases; prognosis is favorable with appropriate treatment.