Persistent idiopathic unilateral isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy: a case report

• DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.4810980
• Publication Date: 2004-03-24T12:59:58Z
• Authors: M W S Ho; M J Fardy; St J V Crean
• Keywords: Adult; Diagnosis, Differential; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Female; Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases; Fasciculation; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Tongue Diseases; 3. Good health

Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy (IHNP) although a rare condition, has been previously reported. A literature review revealed that in most cases, IHNP indicates the presence of an intracranial or extracranial space occupying lesion, head and neck injury, vascular abnormality, infection, autoimmune disease or neuropathy. Reports of idiopathic cases are rare and the vast majority of IHNP are reversible. We report a case of persistent idiopathic unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy, with an emphasis on the investigations necessary to be undertaken on presentation of such a lesion.