Jonathan Aarons M.D.

Tired of Chronic Pain?

Neck Tongue Syndrome

Neck Tongue Syndrome
Neck Tongue Syndrome

The Neck tongue syndrome is a constellation of symptoms that include pain and numbness of one half of the tongue when turning the head to one side.  This condition may occur after trauma or occur due to bony compression of the second cervical nerve from congenital anomalies.  The pain is intermittent and usually occurs with motion of the neck.  There is no clear male or female predominance to this problem.  Aside from numbness of the tongue, there is no other neurological abnormalities.  MRI scans are useful to look for any abnormalities of the cervical spine or brain that may cause this problem.  Since other diseases of the head and neck, such as tumors, dental and sinus problems and demyelinating diseases can also cause these symptoms, they must be excluded as causes of the problem.  Initial treatment of Neck Tongue Syndrome is conservative and includes heat, ice, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and physical therapy.  A nerve block to the second cervical nerve root with a local anesthetic and a steroid may be useful.  In refractory cases, surgery of the cervical spine may be needed.

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