DefinitionGlossopharyngeal neuralgia is a condition in which there are repeated episodes of severe pain in the tongue, throat, ear, and tonsils, which can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.Alternative NamesCranial mononeuropathy IXCauses, incidence, and risk factorsGlossopharyngeal neuralgia is believed to be caused by irritation of the ninth cranial nerve. Symptoms usually begin in people over age 40.In most cases, the source of irritation is never found. Some possible causes for this type of nerve pain (neuralgia) are:Blood vessels pressing down on the glossopharyngeal nerveGrowths (lesions) at the base of the skullTumors or infections of the throat and mouthSymptomsSymptoms include severe pain in areas connected to the ninth cranial nerve:Back of the nose and throat (nasopharynx)