Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy due to Compression by a Persistent Primitive Hypoglossal Artery: Case Report

A 51-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital because of speech difficulty following severe headache. Neurological examination showed dysarthria and tongue weakness on the right side, indicating right hypoglossal nerve palsy. Needle electromyography of the right side of the tongue showed fibrillation potentials. Magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography revealed a right, persistent, primitive hypoglossal artery (PPHA) that met Lie's diagnostic criteria. Digital subtraction angiography showed an extended PPHA with irregular caliber in the portion running through the right hypoglossal canal.
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research