Definition of Glossopharyngeal neuralgia:

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition in which there are repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve, called the glossopharyngeal nerve. Symptoms usually begin in people over age 40.

In most cases, the source of irritation is never found. Some possible causes for this type of nerve pain (neuralgia) are:

• Blood vessels pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve
• Growths at the base of the skull pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve
• Tumors or infections of the throat and mouth pressing on the glossopharyngeal nerve