Persistent isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy

The hypoglossal nerve plays an important role in speech and swallowing. Despite the nerves important function, damage to the nerve does not usually present with any functional loss or symptoms that would be overtly noticeable to most patients [1,2]. Patients may become aware of such lesions when brushing their teeth or when visiting a dentist. Causes of hypoglossal nerve palsy include intracranial space occupying lesions (49%), trauma (12%), stroke (6%), hysteria (6%), surgery (5%), multiple sclerosis (5%), infection (4%), Guillian-Bare syndrome (4%) and idiopathic causes (3%) [3]. The patient in this case has persistent isolated unilateral left sided hypoglossal nerve palsy and cannot recall when the symptoms first started. The patient continues to experience the palsy and has not had the symptoms resolve or change. The patient has not experienced any challenges because of the symptoms.