Abstract
Paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve is known as a condition often observed with extracranial lesions (e.g. surgical and accidental trauma, extracranial tumors, and cervical inflammation), and intracranial diseases (e.g. cerebrovascular conditions, demyelinating diseases and brain inflammation). It is rather rare for this condition to occur idiopathically. Hypoglossal nerve is often involved in combination with the glossopharyngeal, vagal, and accessory nerves; it is unusual for the paralysis to be observed in the hypoglossal nerve alone. We experienced a case of a 65-year-old female, who presented with a main complaint of a sore tongue without being able to thrust it straight. Other than the lingual deviation, she also complained of swallowing and dysarthria. There was nothing notable in the medical history. No abnormal findings were obtained from the clinical examination and the imaging study, and it was believed that this was a case of paralysis of the hypoglossal nerve developed idiopathically, and of unknown origin. Prednisolone 15mg, vitamin B12 formulation, and vitamin E formulation were administered by a neurosurgeon; one week after the initiation of the pharmacotherapy, the movement dysfunction of the tongue improved. Until now, 6 months after the cessation of the prescription, there has been no recurrence.
