Hypoglossal and Glossopharyngeal Nerve Palsy After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion: A Case Report.

Cranial nerve palsy is a rare and possibly under-reported injury after higher-level cervical spine surgery. Conscientious positioning and awareness of these nerves during surgical exposure are crucial to minimizing cranial nerve palsies. Proper workup to identify these palsies and differentiate them from other complications is necessary to guide proper treatment.