The glossopharyngeal nerve is part of the IX pair of all nerves of the skull. It has several different types of fibers. In the article, we consider its functions, structure, as well as common diseases. You need to understand why it is needed and how to deal with neuralgia.
Anatomy
The described nerve leaves the brain near the tenth and eleventh. As a result, they merge into a single whole and together leave the skull. At this point, the tympanic nerve branches. Here, the glossopharyngeal nerve is divided into the upper and lower nodes. They contain special neural impulses that a person needs for sensitivity. After this, the nerve goes around the carotid artery and passes to the carotid sinus. Further, he advances to the throat, where the branching occurs. As a result, several branches appear. Separate pharyngeal, almond, lingual.
Functions
The glossopharyngeal nerve consists of two: the right and left. Each of them has special fibers that are responsible for certain functions. Motive are necessary so that a person can raise his throat. Sensitive relate to the mucous membrane of the tonsils, they pass through the larynx, oral cavity, and also affect the ears. Thanks to them, the sensing of these zones is provided. Taste fibers are responsible directly for taste sensations. Due to the glossopharyngeal nerve, reflexes of the palatine part are formed. Due to parasympathetic fibers in humans, the iron that is responsible for salivation functions correctly.
Causes of Neuralgia
This pathology is divided into two types: primary and secondary. There is also idiopathic. Its cause is difficult to find out, and sometimes impossible. Most often, glossopharyngeal neuralgia is due to the fact that a person has diseases of the endocrine system. Pathology can also be associated with malignant tumors in the larynx, irritation with foreign substances of a particular nerve, especially if it is located in the medulla oblongata. A brain injury can also be a provoking factor. Other causes of neuralgia should be noted bacterial infection, atherosclerosis and viral diseases.
Symptomatology
This pathology is manifested by severe pain, which can be localized on 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 be given to the eyes, to the neck, or even to the jaw. Pain of a one-sided type. Such an attack can last no more than 5 minutes. It is usually provoked by various movements of the tongue, for example, conversation or eating.
Often, pain with lesion of the glossopharyngeal nerve can occur due to irritation of the tonsils. Patients have to sleep only on one side, since 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 recorded on the healthy side, and not the one that was affected by neuralgia. The saliva produced during this disease has an increased viscosity.
Some patients may experience symptoms such as severe dizziness, decreased pressure, fainting, and darkening 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, seizures increase in duration, they become more often and more intense. The pain is increasing. The patient can moan and scream from unpleasant sensations, as well as rub his neck under the lower jaw. All patients who have neuralgia for quite some time now 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.
Diagnostics
The primary diagnosis of problems with the glossopharyngeal nerve is associated with the collection of anamnesis. In this case, practically all factors matter, that is, the type of pain where it is localized, how long it lasts, how the seizures end, what other additional symptoms the patient is concerned about. Concomitant diseases associated with the endocrine system, as well as some infectious and neurological diseases, may occur.
Further, an external examination is carried out, during which most likely no significant changes will be noticed. Soreness is sometimes felt during palpation in the lower jaw. In patients, the pharyngeal reflex can be markedly reduced, and the problem of soft palate mobility 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 an additional examination. This is a consultation with some specialists, including an optometrist. Assign tomography, echoencephalography, as well as other similar procedures.
Drug treatment of the disease
Often, doctors immediately prescribe special drugs during the examination. They will minimize pain. It may be funds that are local painkillers. They act on the root of the tongue, freezing the glossopharyngeal nerve. An example would be Lidocaine.
Injection drugs that help if the first type of drug does not have the desired effect are good.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed as a last resort. As a rule, they can be either in the form of tablets or injections.
Vitamins, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, as well as drugs that allow you to activate the immune system, are also prescribed to patients.
Surgery
If a person has an extremely critical situation, they can prescribe surgical intervention. The operation will be aimed at eliminating the causes of compression of the nerve, as well as its irritation. Often its carrying out passes 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.
Summary
The article examined many aspects that relate to the described nerve. It is important to understand why it is necessary and how to distinguish serious problems. Symptoms are quite noticeable, so you should contact your doctor right away. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia 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 exacerbations, and seizures with time occur more often and more intensively.
In order to cure the disease in time, it is necessary to diagnose it correctly and quickly. This disease should be urgently started to be treated already at the onset of the first symptomatology. Therapy may include medication, physiotherapy, and surgery. As a rule, if treatment begins on time, then the prognosis is favorable. However, the therapy is quite lengthy, it can take 2-3 years.