Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition that causes sudden bouts of pain in the throat and the back of the mouth and tongue.

What is going on in the body?

Neuralgia is a term that means nerve pain, or pain caused by a nerve problem. The nerve that attaches to the throat and the back of the tongue and mouth is called the glossopharyngeal nerve. Sometimes a problem in this nerve can cause pain in these areas. The pain can be severe and usually lasts from a few seconds to a few minutes. Swallowing, coughing or sneezing usually bring on an attack of the pain.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

The cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia is unknown. The diagnosis is usually made when no other cause for the pain or nerve problem can be found. People more than 40 years old are most commonly affected. This condition is more common in men than in women.