Which of the following would suggest a lower motor neuron lesion of the hypoglossal nerve?
Exam Question Dec 2014
The hypoglossal nerve innervates the tongue (glossa is Greek for tongue)
In lower motor lesions of the hypoglossal nerve the tongue deviates towards the side of the lesion (this is the opposite of what occurs in an upper motor neuron lesion).
The tongue deviates towards the suspected side of the lesion20%Ptosis18%Tongue muscle does not show signs of atrophy19%There is uvular deviation away from the suspected side of the lesion21%Right nasal hemianopia21%
Exam Question Dec 2014
The hypoglossal nerve innervates the tongue (glossa is Greek for tongue)
In lower motor lesions of the hypoglossal nerve the tongue deviates towards the side of the lesion (this is the opposite of what occurs in an upper motor neuron lesion).
Motor neuron lesions
Signs of an upper motor neuron lesion include:-
- Weakness
- Increased reflexes
- Increased tone (spasticity)
- Mild atrophy
- An up-going plantar response (Babinski reflex)
- Clonus
Signs of a lower motor neuron lesion include:-
- Atrophy
- Weakness
- Fasciculation's
- Decreased reflexes
- Decreased tone
