Imaging of the glossopharyngeal, vagus, and accessory nerves

The origination and course of the glossopharyngeal, vagus and accessory cranial nerves explains their function and localizes pathology. Abnormalities of these lower cranial nerves may be intrinsic or extrinsic and is due to a multiplicity of disease processes. The clinical presentation of the involved cranial nerve helps to guide imaging evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging without and with contrast is the mainstay of imaging of cranial nerves IX, X and XI pathology, but computed tomography provides substantial information as well.