title: Evaluation of lower cranial nerve deficits.
abstract: Patients with cranial base tumors often present with cranial neuropathies or develop cranial deficits as a consequence of skull base surgery. Deficits involving cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII can lead to significant morbidity for patients. A standard evaluation of a patient with a suspected skull base lesion or a postsurgical patient would consist of a complete history and physical examination, including a bedside examination and videofluoroscopy. Other modalities, including fiberoptic endoscopic examination of swallowing safety, ultrasound, and manofluorography, are used less frequently.
authors.affiliation: Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Service, Tripler Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 96859-5000, USA.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Syms
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Singson
authors.forename: L P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Burgess
mesh_terms: D000055:Accessory Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D005930:Glossopharyngeal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D007002:Hypoglossal Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010243:Paralysis / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014630:Vagus Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology*