Bilateral cortical representation of the intrinsic lingual muscles

Motor potentials of the intrinsic lingual muscles were recorded by surface electrode in a patient with left hypoglossal neuropathy. Electrical stimulation of the right hypoglossal nerve had contralateral lingual muscle potentials representing the crosstalk volume conducted electromyography signals. Magnetic stimulation of either cerebral hemisphere yielded motor responses on the right half of the tongue with more contribution from the crossed corticobulbar fibers. Follow-up studies showed an improvement of dysphagia and left lingual motor potentials.