Cranial Nerves IX To XII

Abstract

Cranial nerves IX to XII are rarely affected by pathology compared with cranial nerves III, V, VII, and VIII. Nonetheless, their evaluation is challenging, since lesions of these nerves span the gamut from intracranial to extracranial sites. Imaging of these cranial nerves requires a focused approach based on clinical symptomatology and signs. This unit presents the basic protocol for imaging cranial nerves IX to XII. An alternate protocol is presented for cases where non-neoplastic lesions are considered.