Hypoglossal nerve palsy as a rare complication of C1-C2 pott's spine

Abstract

Reporting a rare scenario of hypoglossal nerve palsy in craniovertebral tuberculosis. Two patients presented in outpatient department with chief complaints of pain in neck, restricted neck movements, gait changes, difficulty in speech and weakness in all the extremities. On the basis of clinicoradiological correlation, the patients were diagnosedwithtuberculosis of C1-C2 spine. They were started on antituberculosis therapy Category 1. The patients improved clinically and there was no worsening of symptoms, but they noticed tongue deviation and hypotrophy on one side of the tongue. C1-C2 tuberculosis along with cranial nerve palsy, especially hypoglossal nerve is one of the rarest presentations. Hypoglossal nerve arises from the medulla, exits through hypoglossal canal in the base of the skull and traverses neck to supply tongue musculature. Prevertebral fascia extends from superior mediastinum to base of the skull. Abscess in this area can cause either actual compression of the hypoglossal canal or C1 and base of the skull dissociation which can lead to compression of the canal.