Abstract
Running through the infratemporal fossa is the lingual nerve (i.e. the third branch of the posterior trunk of the mandibular nerve). Due to its location, there are various anatomic structures that might entrap and potentially compress the lingual nerve. These anatomical sites of entrapment are: (a) the partially or completely ossified pterygospinous or pterygoalar ligaments; (b) the large lamina of the lateral plate of the pterygoid process; and (c) the medial fibers of the anterior region of the lateral pterygoid muscle. Due to the connection between these nerve and anatomic structures, a contraction of the lateral pterygoid muscle, for example, might cause a compression of the lingual nerve.
Any variations in the course of the lingual nerve can be of clinical significance to surgeons and neurologists because of the significant complications that might occur. To name a few of such complications, lingual nerve entrapment can lead to: (a) numbness, hypoesthesia or even anesthesia of the tongue's mucous glands; (b) anesthesia and loss of taste in the anterior two‐thirds of the tongue; (c) anesthesia of the lingual gums; and (d) pain related to speech articulation disorder. Dentists should, therefore, be alert to possible signs of neurovascular compression in regions where the lingual nerve is distributed.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Piagkou, M., Demesticha, T., Piagkos, G. et al. Lingual Nerve Entrapment in Muscular and Osseous Structures. Int J Oral Sci 2, 181–189 (2010). https://doi.org/10.4248/IJOS10063
Received:
Revised:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4248/IJOS10063
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Skull base ligamentous mineralisation: evaluation using computed tomography and a review of the clinical relevance
Insights into Imaging (2019)