Hypoglossal nerve dysfunction and sleep-disordered breathing after stroke
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Updated: May 2, 2026

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Devin L Brown1, Ronald D Chervin, James Wolfe
1From the Stroke Program (D.L.B., R.H., M.C., L.D.L.), Sleep Disorders Center (R.D.C.), EMG Laboratory, Department of Neurology (J.W.), and School of Public Health (L.D.L.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and EMG Laboratory (K.L.G.), Department of Neurology, SUNY Upstate, Syracuse, NY.
Objective:
This cross-sectional study of acute ischemic stroke patients examined relationships between hypoglossal nerve conduction, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), and its severity.
Methods:
Patients within 7 days of stroke underwent nocturnal respiratory monitoring with the ApneaLink device and hypoglossal nerve conduction studies.
Results:
Eighteen of 52 subjects (35% [95% confidence interval: 22%, 49%]) had an abnormal hypoglossal amplitude and 23 (44% [95% confidence interval: 30%, 59%]) had an abnormal hypoglossal latency. No differences were identified in hypoglossal nerve latency or amplitude between those with (n = 26) and without (n = 26) significant SDB, defined by an apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 15. However, hypoglossal nerve conduction latency was associated (linear regression p < 0.05) with SDB severity as reflected by the apnea-hypopnea index.
Conclusions:
Acute ischemic stroke patients have a high prevalence of hypoglossal nerve dysfunction. Further studies are needed to explore whether hypoglossal nerve dysfunction may be a cause or consequence of SDB in stroke patients and whether this association can provide further insight into the pathophysiology of SDB in this population.
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