Non-Instrumental Test for the Evaluation of Tongue Function.

Bruno Bordoni,Allan R Escher

doi:10.7759/cureus.18333

Abstract

The tongue undergoes various negative adaptations in the presence of local or systemic pathologies, adversely its behavior within the body context. Tongue assessments to correctly diagnose its functions are carried out using instrumentation, such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, electromyography and different intraoral devices (swallowing, strength, posture, phonesis). Currently, there is no dynamic non-instrumental test in the scientific literature to highlight any lingual dysfunctions. The article describes a non-instrumental test for the assessment of lingual function in the body context, to obtain preliminary information on the quality of the neurological activities of the tongue, with respect to the balance and muscle strength that the patient expresses. The text briefly reviews the anatomy of the tongue and describes a clinical case to better understand how to use this test. Further studies will be needed for the validation of the test.

Highlights

The lingual muscle complex represents a contractile organ that has multiple functions and anatomoneurological characteristics that are unique in the human body
The embryological origin of the tongue derives from the pharyngeal arches, and in particular, the connective tissue and the blood and lymphatic vessels arise from the ectoderm, while the muscle tissue is formed from the mesoderm [1]
We know that the vibrations generated by the mandible or the submandibular muscles activate the extrinsic muscles of the tongue through the mechanoreceptors, and this mechanism improves the reflexes related to the opening of the upper airways; we can assume that a dysfunction of these receptors can induce sleep apnea

Summary

Introduction

The lingual muscle complex represents a contractile organ that has multiple functions and anatomoneurological characteristics that are unique in the human body. Tongue stimulation sends multiple signals from the trigeminal and vagal pathways, involving the cerebellum and vestibular nuclei (balance-processing network) [11] If such areas are injured, regardless of the cause, the patient's ability to manage body movement (balance and muscle strength) is decreased, while, if the tongue of such patients is stimulated (external electrical equipment), balance and strength expressed improve [11]. The article describes a non-instrumental test for the assessment of lingual function in the body context, to obtain preliminary information on the quality of the neurological activities of the tongue, with respect to the balance and muscle strength that the patient expresses. In the clinical case in question, the test proved positive, as both the balance and muscle strength shown decreased when the patient was asked to consciously place his tongue against the palatine spot. Drug therapy for patient discharge was as follows: omeprazole 20 milligrams, bisoprolol 5 milligrams for two, Eliquis 5 milligrams for two, Entresto 24/26milligrams 1 tablet for two, Aldactone 25 milligrams, allopurinol 100 milligrams, metformin 500 milligrams three times

Discussion

Conclusions

Findings

Disclosures

Sakamoto Y