Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hypoglossal nerve palsy
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Hypoglassal nerve palsy refers to paralysis of the 12th cranial nerve. It is most often caused by a tumor and causes wasting and twitching of one side of the tongue.
Causes
Causes
Common Causes
Causes In Alphabetical Order
Epidemiology and Demographics
Epidemiology and Demographics
Tumors account for approximately half the cases, and the most common causes include metastatic carcinomas, chordomas, nasopharyngeal carcinomas, gliomas, and acoustic neuromas.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
Neurologic
- Atrophy and fasciculations on one side of the tongue
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]