Pharynx and tonsils: glossopharyngeal neuralgia: practice question

A ENT question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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ENT · Pharynx and tonsils: glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Sample item

A 55-year-old has severe stabbing pain in the throat and ear triggered by swallowing and yawning, lasting seconds, with normal examination. Which drug is first-line?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

C. Carbamazepine

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia produces paroxysmal lancinating pain in the tonsil, base of tongue and ear, and is triggered by swallowing. Carbamazepine is first-line. A vascular loop compressing the nerve may need microvascular decompression.

Option by option

  • A. Amoxicillin

    There is no infection.

  • B. Oral prednisolone

    Steroids are not standard therapy.

  • C. Carbamazepine (correct)

    Correct. Carbamazepine is the drug of choice.

  • D. Paracetamol alone

    Simple analgesics are ineffective for neuralgia.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More ENT questions

Questions about this ENT question

What is the answer to this ENT question?

The best answer is C, Carbamazepine. Glossopharyngeal neuralgia produces paroxysmal lancinating pain in the tonsil, base of tongue and ear, and is triggered by swallowing.

Why is "Amoxicillin" not the answer?

There is no infection.

Why is "Oral prednisolone" not the answer?

Steroids are not standard therapy.

Why is "Paracetamol alone" not the answer?

Simple analgesics are ineffective for neuralgia.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Pharynx and tonsils: glossopharyngeal neuralgia in ENT. Carbamazepine is first-line. A vascular loop compressing the nerve may need microvascular decompression.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Pharynx and tonsils: glossopharyngeal neuralgia?

Learn tuning fork results and audiogram patterns by sketching them. Then use the flashcards and the other ENT questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.