Tests should be done to identify an abnormality at the base of the skull, particularly tumors. These may include X-rays, CAT scan of the head, and head MRI. Sometimes the MRI may show evidence of inflammation of the glossopharyngeal nerve.
To determine whether a blood vessel is compressing the nerve, some pictures of the brain arteries can be obtained using techniques, such as magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or conventional angiography (X-rays of the arteries with a dye).
Occasionally, certain blood tests may be needed when the diagnosis is not clear, to rule out other causes of peripheral nerve problems (neuropathy), such as high blood sugar.
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