J Korean Neurol Assoc.  2023 Nov;41(4):318-320. 10.17340/jkna.2023.0052.

Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia Caused by Nerve Compression and Traction by Tortuous Vertebral and Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Arteries

• Park HJ
• Lee WJ
• Yun CH
• Park SH

• KMID: 2547622
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17340/jkna.2023.0052

Abstract

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition characterized by lancinating pain in the tongue, soft palate, and pharynx. This condition can be caused by the combination of traction and compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve by tortuous vertebral and posterior inferior cerebellar arteries, which tug down and exert pressure on the nerve. Medical treatments including carbamazepine and gabapentin have been found to effectively manage glossopharyngeal neuralgia, even in cases with overt compression and traction of the nerve.

Keyword

Glossopharyngeal nerve diseases; Nerve compression syndromes