Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is a rare but severe condition that causes stabbing pain in the throat, tongue, ear, or tonsil area. It occurs when the glossopharyngeal nerve (cranial nerve IX) is compressed, often by a nearby artery.

Treatment may involve medication or microvascular decompression, which relieves pressure on the nerve. At ABS, Dr. Stephen Johnson specializes in identifying and surgically treating this and other cranial nerve disorders with outstanding outcomes.