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Tongue paralysis following head trauma
A Kacker1, A Komisar, R S Kakani
1Department of Otolaryngology, Neurology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, USA.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Isolated bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy, causing tongue paralysis, is rare. Trauma-induced traction injury at the skull base is a likely cause, with potential contributing factors like skull malformations, but most cases show good recovery prognosis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Trauma Surgery
- Skull Base Surgery
Background:
- Isolated bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy is an exceptionally rare clinical presentation.
- The hypoglossal nerves (cranial nerve XII) control tongue movement, making their bilateral palsy highly debilitating.
Observation:
- This case report details a rare instance of paralysis of the tongue resulting from isolated bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy.
- The presumed etiology in this patient was a traction injury to both hypoglossal nerves at the skull base, secondary to trauma.
Findings:
- While trauma is the suspected cause, anatomical variations such as skull base malformations can potentially contribute to or predispose individuals to such injuries.
- The study highlights the diagnostic challenge and potential mechanisms leading to bilateral hypoglossal nerve injury.
Implications:
- Despite the severity of tongue paralysis, most cases of isolated bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy demonstrate a favorable prognosis for functional recovery.
- Understanding the potential causes, including trauma and anatomical factors, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of this rare condition.