Intracranial hypoglossal nerve schwannoma with extracranial extension

Benign extramedullary tumours of the foramen magnum region are largely schwannomas and meningiomas. Tumours originating from the motor part of cranial nerves, such as the VIIth, IXth, XIth and XIIth cranial nerves, are extremely rare. Hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII) schwannomas are such an example, usually arising intracranially and, in exceptional cases, extending into the extracranial compartment. We present the clinical and diagnostic radiological findings of a rare case of intracranial hypoglossal nerve schwannoma with extracranial extension.