Imaging Features of isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy

J Neuroradiol. 2020 Mar;47(2):136-150. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2019.04.006. Epub 2019 Apr 26.

Abstract

The hypoglossal nerve gives motor innervation to the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue. Pathology of this nerve affects the balanced action of the genioglossus muscle causing tongue deviation toward the weak side. Clinically, hypoglossal nerve palsy manifests with difficulty chewing, swallowing and with dysarthric speech herein, we review the anatomy of the hypoglossal nerve as well as common and infrequent lesions that can affect this nerve along its course.

Keywords: CT; Hypoglossal denervation; Hypoglossal nerve; MRI.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / complications*
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Brain Stem Neoplasms / pathology
  • Glioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Glioma / pathology
  • Humans
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / diagnostic imaging*
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / etiology
  • Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases / pathology*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / complications
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Meningioma / complications
  • Meningioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Meningioma / pathology
  • Skull Neoplasms / complications*
  • Skull Neoplasms / pathology
  • Tongue / innervation