Hypoglossal nerve (XII) lesions - Disorders of cranial nerves

Hypoglossal nerve (XII) lesions

Anatomy

This arises from the hypoglossal nucleus in the medulla, and is a motor nerve supplying the muscles of tongue except palatoglossus.

Function

Speech, swallowing.

Specific causes

Stroke, bulbar palsy, polio, trauma and tuberculosis.

Clinical features

Tongue deviates to side of lesion when patient is asked to stick tongue out. The tongue may appear wasted.