Glossopharyngeal nerve is part of the IX pair of all nerves of the skull. Has several different types of fibers. In the article, we will consider its functions, structure, as well as common diseases. You need to understand what it is for and how to deal with neuralgia.
Anatomy
The described nerve comes out of the brain near the tenth and eleventh. As a result, they unite into a single whole and leave the skull together. This is where the tympanic nerve branches off. Here, the glossopharyngeal nerve divides into an upper and lower node. They contain special neural impulses that a person needs for sensitivity. After that, the nerve goes around the carotid artery and goes to the carotid sinus. Further, it moves to the pharynx, where a branching occurs. As a result, several branches appear. Divided by pharyngeal, almond, lingual.
Functions
Glossopharyngeal nerve consists of two: right and left. Each of them has special fibers that are responsible for certain functions. Motor is necessary so that a person can raise his throat. Sensitive refers to the mucous membrane of the tonsils, they passthrough the larynx, oral cavity, and also affect the ears. Thanks to them, the sensory of these zones is provided. Taste fibers are directly responsible for taste sensations. Due to the glossopharyngeal nerve, palatine reflexes are formed. Due to the parasympathetic fibers in humans, the gland responsible for salivation functions properly.
Causes of neuralgia
This pathology is divided into two types: primary and secondary. There is also idiopathic. Its cause is difficult to find, and sometimes impossible. Most often, neuralgia of the glossopharyngeal nerve occurs due to the fact that a person has diseases of the endocrine system. Pathology can also be associated with malignant formations in the larynx, irritation of a certain nerve by foreign substances, especially if it is located in the medulla oblongata. TBI can also be a provoking factor. Other causes of neuralgia should be noted bacterial infection, atherosclerosis and viral diseases.
Symptomatics
This pathology is manifested by severe pain, which can be localized at the root of the tongue or on the tonsils. Further, as soon as the disease begins to progress, discomfort will spread to the ear and throat. They can also give into the eyes, into the neck or even into the jaw. One-sided pain. Such an attack can last no more than 5 minutes. As a rule, it is provoked by various movements of the tongue, for example, a conversation or a meal.
Often pain when injuredglossopharyngeal nerve may occur due to irritation of the tonsils. Patients have to sleep only on one side, because when saliva flows, there is a desire to swallow it. Accordingly, pain is provoked. Thirst, dry mouth, and increased salivation may also occur. However, the latter, as a rule, is fixed on the he althy side, and not on the one that was affected by neuralgia. The saliva secreted during this disease has an increased viscosity.
Some patients may also experience symptoms such as severe dizziness, low blood pressure, fainting, and blackouts in the eyes. Neuralgia has periods of remission and exacerbation. Sometimes the rest period can be even a year or more. However, after a certain time, the attacks increase in duration, they become more frequent and more intense. The pain is growing. The patient may moan and scream from discomfort, as well as rub the neck under the lower jaw. All patients who have had neuralgia for quite a long time may complain of constant pain. At the same time, it will become stronger during various manipulations with the tongue, that is, when chewing and so on.
Diagnosis
The primary diagnosis of problems with the glossopharyngeal nerve is associated with the collection of anamnesis. In this case, almost all factors matter, that is, the type of pain, where it is localized, how long it lasts, how the attacks end, what other additional symptoms bother the patient. There may be comorbidities associated with the endocrine system, as well as someinfectious and neurological diseases.
Next, an external survey is being carried out, during which most likely no significant changes will be noticed. Sometimes pain is felt on palpation in the region of the lower jaw. In patients, the pharyngeal reflex can be markedly reduced, and the problem of mobility of the soft palate is also fixed. Moreover, all these changes occur only on one side.
In order to understand the causes of secondary glossopharyngeal neuralgia, the symptoms of which are similar to those described above, it is necessary to send the patient for additional examination. It is a question of consultation at some experts, including at the oculist. Assign tomography, echoencephalography, and other similar procedures.
Drug treatment of disease
Often, immediately during the examination, doctors prescribe special drugs. They will minimize pain. These can be drugs that are local anesthetics. They act on the root of the tongue, freezing the glossopharyngeal nerve. An example would be Lidocaine.
Injectables that are prescribed if the first type of drugs do not have the desired effect help well.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed as a last resort. Typically, they can be either in the form of tablets or injections.
Still, patients are prescribed vitamins, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, as well as drugs that allow you to activate the immune system.
Surgical treatment
Ifa person is in an extremely critical situation, they may prescribe surgical intervention. The operation will be aimed at eliminating the causes of nerve compression, as well as its irritation. Often it is carried out without complications. However, this procedure is used as a last resort in the treatment. The glossopharyngeal nerve with neuralgia should be restored immediately at the first symptomatology.
Results
The article considered many aspects that relate to the described nerve. It is important to understand why it is needed and how to distinguish serious problems. The symptoms are quite noticeable, so you need to see a doctor right away. Neuralgia of the glossopharyngeal nerve is quite rare, but it gives a person severe inconvenience. Distinguish between primary and secondary. As mentioned above, the pathology is manifested by fainting and bouts of pain. There are periods of remission and exacerbation, with attacks becoming more frequent and more intense over time.
In order to cure the disease in time, it is necessary to diagnose it correctly and quickly. This disease should be urgently treated already at the onset of the first symptoms. Therapy may include medication, physiotherapy, and surgery. As a rule, if treatment begins on time, then the prognosis is favorable. However, therapy is quite lengthy, it can take 2-3 years.
