What happens when the hypoglossal nerve is damaged?
The hypoglossal nerve can be damaged at the hypoglossal nucleus (nuclear), above the hypoglossal nucleus (supranuclear), or interrupted at the motor axons (infranuclear). Such damage causes paralysis, fasciculations (as noted by a scalloped appearance of the tongue), and eventual atrophy of the tongue muscles.
What causes hypoglossal nerve damage?
Hypoglossal nerves can be damaged unilaterally by a multitude of causes especially, tumors, infection, or trauma. The concept of trauma includes surgical trauma as with carotid endarterectomy (surgery to remove the plaques from the carotid artery). Rare bilateral lesions can be the result of radiation therapy.
How do you test for olfactory nerves?
Testing of the integrity of the olfactory nerve involves either pinching or blocking of one nostril while the patient is blindfolded or with the eyes closed, then have the patient smell aromatic substances such as coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, etc.
Can the hypoglossal nerve be repaired?
Repair of Hypoglossal Nerve Injury Similar to facial nerve repairs, the ideal management involves establishment of a tension-free anastomosis (Avitia & Osborne, 2008). Although this is preferably performed with end-to-end anastomosis if possible, the use of interposition grafts can be used.
What part of brain controls tongue?
There is an area in the frontal lobe of the left hemisphere called Broca’s area. It is next to the region that controls the movement of facial muscles, tongue, jaw and throat.
Can olfactory nerve damage be repaired?
Unlike nerve cells anywhere else in the body, the olfactory neurons are able to recover or regenerate after injury.
What happens when your olfactory nerve is damaged?
A damaged sense of olfaction is severely disrupting: the joy of eating and drinking may be lost, and depression may result. Furthermore, there are dangers associated with the loss of smell, including the inability to detect leaking gas or spoiled food.
How does the hypoglossal nerve affect speech?
The hypoglossal nerve enables tongue movement. It controls the hyoglossus, intrinsic, genioglossus and styloglossus muscles. These muscles help you speak, swallow and move substances around in your mouth.
What causes tongue nerve damage?
Disorders of the 12th cranial nerve (hypoglossal nerve) cause weakness or wasting (atrophy) of the tongue on the affected side. This nerve moves the tongue. Hypoglossal nerve disorders may be caused by tumors, strokes, infections, injuries, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
What are the common causes of damage to the olfactory nerve?
The principal causes of olfactory dysfunction are sinonasal diseases, viral infections, head injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Is olfactory nerve damage permanent?
The present study suggests that coronavirus can induce olfactory dysfunction but not permanent damage. Olfactory and gustatory functional impairment has been recognized as a hallmark of COVID-19 and may be an important predictor of clinical outcome.
What nerve controls speech?
Hypoglossal Nerve
The hypoglossal nerve enables tongue movement. It controls the hyoglossus, intrinsic, genioglossus and styloglossus muscles. These muscles help you speak, swallow and move substances around in your mouth.
Can nerve damage in the tongue be repaired?
Surgery can be done either by directly repairing/suturing the ends of the injured nerve back together (Fig 2) or by using special tubes or scaffolds that help guide the nerve endings to grow and connect properly (Fig 3). Both techniques have shown very good results with functional sensory recovery after an injury.
Can you repair nerve damage in mouth?
While most nerve damages are always accidental, negligence by a dentist during a dental procedure can also result in dental nerve damage. With treatment, dental nerve damage can heal in six to eight weeks.
How do you strengthen your tongue muscles?
Extend your tongue to the bumpy part on the top of your mouth right behind your teeth. Then curl your tongue back toward the back of your mouth as far as possible. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat 5 times.