Tongue paralysis, also known as hypoglossal nerve palsy, is the inability to move the tongue muscles due to damage to the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII). This damage can result in various degrees of paralysis, affecting the tongue's ability to move, affecting speech, swallowing, and overall function.
Causes of Tongue Paralysis
Several factors can lead to tongue paralysis:
-
Hypoglossal nerve damage: This is the most common cause. Damage can stem from trauma, tumors, infections, or strokes affecting this specific nerve. As noted in the StatPearls and Physiopedia articles, damage typically results in paralysis on one side of the tongue, causing it to deviate towards the affected side when protruded. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532869/ https://www.physio-pedia.com/Hypoglossal_Nerve
-
Supranuclear lesions: These lesions, as described in StatPearls, affect the upper motor neurons and cause the tongue to deviate away from the side of the lesion when protruded. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532869/
-
Other neurological conditions: Conditions like stroke, brain tumors, and birth trauma (as mentioned in MedlinePlus) can indirectly cause tongue paralysis by impacting the nerves controlling tongue movement. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001425.htm
-
Iatrogenic causes: In some cases, tongue paralysis can be a rare complication of medical procedures, such as intubation, as indicated by ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/tongue-paralysis
Symptoms
Symptoms vary depending on the severity and location of the nerve damage. These may include:
- Difficulty sticking out the tongue.
- Weakness on one or both sides of the tongue.
- Deviation of the tongue to one side when protruded.
- Difficulty speaking (dysarthria), as noted by the Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dysarthria/symptoms-causes/syc-20371994
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia).
- Atrophy of the tongue muscle (in some cases).
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis involves a neurological examination to assess tongue movement and reflexes. Imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans may be used to identify underlying causes. Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause, which may include surgery, medication, or physical therapy to improve tongue function.
