Ninth Cranial Nerve (Glossopharyngeal) Mononeuropathy

Mononeuropathy of the ninth cranial nerve, or glossopharyngeal nerve, is involvement of the nerve that takes part in the sensation of the back of the throat and the tongue, as well as in swallowing and certain taste functions.

How it presents: It can cause sharp pain in the throat, the base of the tongue, or the ear, discomfort when swallowing, and altered taste in the back of the tongue.

When to seek care? Episodes of stabbing pain when swallowing or speaking, or difficulty swallowing, warrant an evaluation.

Which specialist treats it? The general practitioner can begin the approach, while its detailed workup falls to neurology together with otolaryngology. If you experience these symptoms repeatedly, consulting a professional about them helps clarify the cause.