hypoglossusnerven

The hypoglossusnerven, also known as the twelfth cranial nerve or CN XII, is a motor nerve primarily responsible for the movement of the tongue. It originates in the hypoglossal nucleus located in the medulla oblongata of the brainstem. The nerve then exits the brainstem and travels through the skull via the hypoglossal canal. Its course within the neck is somewhat complex, eventually innervating all the intrinsic and extrinsic muscles of the tongue, with the exception of the palatoglossus muscle, which is innervated by the vagus nerve.

Damage to the hypoglossusnerven can result in significant functional impairments. Common symptoms include difficulty with speech (dysarthria), problems with swallowing (dysphagia), and tongue deviation towards the affected side when protruded. The tongue muscles themselves may also atrophy, leading to weakness and fasciculations. Causes of hypoglossal nerve damage are varied and can include trauma, surgical injury, tumors, infections, or neurological conditions like stroke or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Diagnosis typically involves a neurological examination assessing tongue movement and strength, and may be further investigated with imaging techniques such as MRI. Treatment strategies depend on the underlying cause of the nerve damage.