27 - Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block: Radiofrequency Lesioning

Abstract

The glossopharyngeal nerve exits from the jugular foramen in proximity to the vagus and accessory nerves and the internal jugular vein. The glossopharyngeal nerve contains both motor and sensory fibers. The motor fibers innervate the stylopharyngeus muscle. The sensory portion of the nerve innervates the posterior third of the tongue, palatine tonsil, and mucous membranes of the mouth and pharynx. Special visceral afferent sensory fibers transmit information from the taste buds of the posterior third of the tongue. Information from the carotid sinus and body that helps control blood pressure, pulse, and respiration is carried via the carotid sinus nerve, which is a branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve. Parasympathetic fibers pass via the glossopharyngeal nerve to the otic ganglion. Postganglionic fibers from the ganglion carry secretory information to the parotid gland. Destruction of the glossopharyngeal nerve is indicated for the palliation of cancer pain, including pain secondary to invasive tumors of the posterior tongue, hypopharynx, and tonsils.