Key Points
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XII nerve palsy can be easily detected on routine oral examination.
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Clinical signs — deviation of the tongue, muscle wasting and muscle fasciculations.
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Malignancy or cerebrovascular accident could cause XII nerve palsy.
Abstract
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.
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References
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Professor C M Wiles, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Wales for referring this patient to our department and allowing us to report this case
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Ho, M., Fardy, M. & Crean, S. Persistent idiopathic unilateral isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy: a case report. Br Dent J 196, 205–207 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4810980
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.4810980
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