Cavernous malformation of the hypoglossal nerve: case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE To describe a patient who presented with a hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by a cavernous malformation, review the literature on cavernous malformations associated with cranial nerves and the differential diagnosis of hypoglossal palsy. RESULTS Partial resection of the lesion was achieved and the diagnosis of cavernous malformation proven histologically. CONCLUSIONS Involvement of a cranial nerve by a cavernous malformation is very uncommon and the facial nerve is the example most frequently reported. This case report adds another possible site for this rare occurrence.