Neck-Tongue Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

The German Headache and Migraine Society explained that “Neck-tongue syndrome” is a condition affecting both the neck and tongue simultaneously.

Patients experience sharp pain in the back of the head or upper neck, stiffness in the cervical vertebrae, numbness in the tongue, and involuntary tongue movements.

Doctors diagnose the syndrome only if symptoms recur and no other explanation is found.

The exact causes remain unclear, though damage to the upper cervical vertebrae is considered a major factor.

Sudden twisting of the neck may also cause partial dislocation of the joint between the first and second cervical vertebrae, compressing nerve fibers linked to the tongue and leading to abnormal sensations.

Many patients notice initial symptoms during childhood or adolescence, with ligament weakness during growth possibly contributing to the condition.

Treatment options include medication or injections such as painkillers, neck stabilization with a brace, physiotherapy, and in rare cases, surgery.

 Sources - Agencies