Wisdom tooth extraction causing lingual nerve and styloglossus muscle damage: a mimic of multiple cranial nerve palsies

Pract Neurol. 2017 Jun;17(3):218-221. doi: 10.1136/practneurol-2016-001491. Epub 2017 Feb 26.

Abstract

The combination of tongue hemianaesthesia, dysgeusia, dysarthria and dysphagia suggests the involvement of multiple cranial nerves. We present a case with sudden onset of these symptoms immediately following wisdom tooth extraction and highlight the clinical features that allowed localisation of the lesion to a focal, iatrogenic injury of the lingual nerve and adjacent styloglossus muscle.

Keywords: NEUROANATOMY; ORAL MEDICINE; TRIGEMINAL NERVE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lingual Nerve Injuries / etiology*
  • Molar, Third / surgery
  • Muscular Diseases / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology*
  • Tongue / innervation*
  • Tongue / pathology
  • Tooth Extraction / adverse effects*
  • Young Adult