title: Pathologic conditions of the lower cranial nerves IX, X, XI, and XII.
abstract: The glossopharyngeal, vagus, spinal accessory, and hypoglossal cranial nerves can be affected by an acute or chronic process that has an impact on the way the patient presents clinically. Knowledge of nerve pathways and relations to surrounding structures is fundamental when evaluating patients who have lower cranial nerve symptoms. A systematic "segment-based" approach helps to narrow the differential diagnosis Pathologic conditions that cause lower cranial nerve symptoms are presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. bruno-policeni@uiowa.edu
authors.forename: Bruno A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Policeni
authors.forename: Wendy R K
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Smoker
mesh_terms: D003389:Cranial Nerve Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011859:Radiography