Occipital Condyle Fracture With Isolated Unilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy.
10.5535/arm.2014.38.5.689
- Author:
Jin Won YOON
1
;
Oh Kyung LIM
;
Ki Deok PARK
;
Ju Kang LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea. pmrdoc@gilhospital.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Occipital condyle fracture;
Hypoglossal nerve;
Multidetector computed tomography;
Electrodiagnosis
- MeSH:
Accidents, Traffic;
Adult;
Deglutition;
Electrodiagnosis;
Humans;
Hypoglossal Nerve;
Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases*;
Larynx;
Multidetector Computed Tomography;
Neck;
Neck Pain;
Palate;
Physical Examination;
Reflex;
Sensation;
Shoulder;
Tongue;
X-Ray Film
- From:Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
2014;38(5):689-693
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Occipital condyle fractures (OCFs) with selective involvement of the hypoglossal canal are rare. OCFs usually occur after major trauma and combine multiple fractures. We describe a 38-year-old man who presented with neck pain and a tongue deviation to the right side after a traffic accident. Severe limitations were detected during active and passive range of neck motion in all directions. A physical examination revealed a normal gag reflex and normal mobility of the palate, larynx, and shoulder girdle. He had normal taste and general sensation in his tongue. However, he presented with a tongue deviation to the right side on protrusion. A videofluoroscopic swallowing study revealed piecemeal deglutition due to decreased tongue mobility but no aspiration of food. Plain X-ray film findings were negative, but a computed tomography study with coronal reconstruction demonstrated a right OCF involving the hypoglossal canal. An electrodiagnostic study revealed evidence of right hypoglossal nerve palsy. We report a rare case of isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by an OCF.
