Isolated unilateral lingual paralysis in a supranuclear infarction

Abstract

Lingual paralysis can result from damage to both upper and lower motor neurons. However, since the hypoglossal nucleus is innervated from both hemispheres simultaneously, unilateral lingual paralysis caused by upper motor neuron has rarely been reported. We report a case which a patient isolated unilateral lingual paralysis due to supranuclear infarction. A 50-year-old right-handed woman was admitted to our hospital due to suddenly developed dysarthria. Her tongue deviated to the right on protrusion without fasciculation or atrophy. A brain MRI showed focal lesion in the left corona radiate and basal ganglia.