Extrinsic Tongue Muscle Tears

A tear of the extrinsic muscles of the tongue is a type of muscle strain that happens when one or more of the four muscles anchoring the tongue to nearby bones or soft tissues are overstretched or torn. Although muscle tears are more common in limbs, the tongue’s extrinsic muscles—genioglossus, hyoglossus, styloglossus, and palatoglossus—can also suffer acute injuries due to trauma, overuse, or surgical complications. These tears can impair speech, swallowing, and airway patency, making prompt diagnosis and management essential. Sports Injury ClinicRadiopaedia

---

Anatomy of Extrinsic Tongue Muscles

Structure and Location

The extrinsic muscles of the tongue originate from structures outside the tongue and insert onto its body, allowing gross movements (e.g., protruding or retracting) rather than shaping the tongue itself. They are located deep to the mucous membrane of the oral cavity floor and lateral tongue margins. TeachMeAnatomy

Origin and Insertion

• Genioglossus: Originates from the superior genial tubercle (mental spine) of the mandible; inserts into the tongue’s mucosa and hyoid bone.

• Hyoglossus: Originates from the greater horn and body of the hyoid bone; inserts into the lateral aspect of the tongue.

• Styloglossus: Originates from the anterolateral styloid process of the temporal bone; inserts into the posterolateral tongue, blending with intrinsic fibers.

• Palatoglossus: Originates from the inferior surface of the palatine aponeurosis; inserts into the lateral margin of the tongue, forming the palatoglossal arch. Geeky Medics

Blood Supply

• Genioglossus & Hyoglossus: Supplied mainly by the sublingual branch of the lingual artery and the submental branch of the facial artery.

• Styloglossus & Palatoglossus: Receive collateral blood from the ascending pharyngeal artery and palatine branches of the facial artery. Geeky Medics

Nerve Supply

All extrinsic muscles are innervated by the hypoglossal nerve (CN XII), except palatoglossus, which is supplied by the pharyngeal plexus via the vagus nerve (CN X). Sensory input to the tongue involves the lingual nerve (V3), glossopharyngeal nerve (IX), and chorda tympani (VII). Kenhub

Functions

The four extrinsic muscles work together to perform six key actions:

1. Protrusion (pushing tongue forward)

2. Retraction (pulling tongue back)

3. Elevation (lifting the tongue toward the palate)

4. Depression (lowering the tongue within the mouth)

5. Lateralization (moving tongue side-to-side)

6. Stabilization (anchoring tongue during swallowing and speech) Radiopaedia

---

Types of Extrinsic Tongue Muscle Tears

Muscle tears are graded by severity based on fiber damage:

• Grade I (Mild): Only a few fibers are torn; strength and range of motion remain intact; pain and tenderness may be delayed.

• Grade II (Moderate): Partial tearing of the muscle; moderate loss of strength; swelling and bruising often present.

• Grade III (Severe): Complete rupture of muscle fibers or musculotendinous junction; marked loss of function; significant pain, swelling, and sometimes deformity. Sports Injury ClinicPhysiopedia

---

Causes of Extrinsic Tongue Muscle Tears

Tears of the tongue’s extrinsic muscles can arise from a variety of scenarios:

1. Direct trauma (e.g., blows to the mouth)

2. Biting the tongue during seizures or falls

3. Motor vehicle accidents with facial impact

4. Forceful intubation or endoscopy

5. Oral surgery complications (e.g., tumor resection)

6. Tongue piercings causing local inflammation

7. Sudden, forceful yawning or mouth opening

8. Overuse in speech therapy or singing practice

9. Seizure-related tongue lacerations

10. Sports injuries (e.g., contact sports)

11. Animal bites to the tongue

12. Radiation-induced tissue weakness

13. Corticosteroid injections weakening muscle fibers

14. Connective tissue disorders (e.g., Ehlers–Danlos syndrome)

15. Steroid abuse leading to spontaneous muscle rupture

16. Hemophilia or bleeding disorders causing hematoma-induced tears

17. Myopathies (e.g., muscular dystrophy) with muscle degeneration

18. Acute infections causing abscesses and tissue breakdown

19. Thermal burns from hot foods/liquids

20. Electrical injury to oral tissues EpainassistEpainassist

---

Symptoms of Extrinsic Tongue Muscle Tears

Common signs and symptoms include:

1. Sudden, sharp pain in the tongue

2. Swelling of the tongue or floor of the mouth

3. Bruising or hematoma formation

4. Tenderness on palpation

5. Difficulty protruding the tongue

6. Impaired lateral tongue movement

7. Dysarthria (slurred speech)

8. Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

9. Altered taste sensation

10. Tongue deviation toward injured side

11. Bleeding from the tongue surface

12. Increased salivation (sialorrhea)

13. Local muscle spasm

14. Visible gap or defect in tongue tissue

15. Infection signs (redness, warmth)

16. Difficulty maintaining airway in severe cases

17. Fibrosis or scar tissue formation during healing

18. Sensory changes (numbness or paresthesia)

19. Throbbing pain at rest

20. Radiating pain to jaw or throat Epainassist

---

Diagnostic Tests

Evaluation of a suspected extrinsic tongue muscle tear may include:

1. Clinical history & physical exam (inspection, palpation)

2. Range-of-motion testing of tongue movements

3. Manual muscle testing for strength assessment

4. Intraoral ultrasound to visualize muscle fibers

5. High‐resolution MRI for detailed soft‐tissue imaging

6. CT scan if bony injury is suspected

7. Electromyography (EMG) to assess muscle electrical activity Cleveland Clinic

8. Nerve conduction studies (NCS) for nerve involvement

9. Videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS)

10. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES)

11. Endoscopic laryngoscopy to assess airway compromise

12. Ultrasound elastography for tissue stiffness mapping

13. Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow

14. Blood tests: CK, CRP, ESR for muscle damage & inflammation

15. Muscle biopsy if myopathy is suspected

16. Genetic testing for hereditary muscle diseases

17. Fine‐needle aspiration of hematoma or abscess

18. Speech articulation evaluation by a speech therapist

19. Swallowing function tests (e.g., MBSImP protocol)

20. Dynamic cine‐MRI for real‐time movement assessment Radiology.cadarwynhealth.com

---

Non‑Pharmacological Treatments

Conservative care often suffices for mild‑to‑moderate tears. Options include:

1. Rest & activity modification

2. Ice application during acute phase

3. Heat therapy in subacute phase

4. Compression with intraoral dressing

5. Elevation of the head to reduce swelling

6. Speech therapy exercises

7. Swallowing exercises

8. Oral myofunctional therapy

9. Manual therapy (gentle massage)

10. Ultrasound therapy

11. Electrical stimulation (TENS)

12. Laser therapy

13. Acupuncture

14. Warm saline rinses

15. Soft diet adjustments

16. Hydration optimization

17. Nutritional support (protein, vitamin C)

18. Progressive stretching

19. Strengthening exercises

20. Biofeedback-assisted training

21. Myofascial release

22. Posture correction

23. Ergonomic modifications

24. Cryotherapy units

25. Facial muscle relaxation techniques

26. Cervical spine mobilization

27. Gentle yoga or Tai Chi

28. Breathing exercises

29. Mind‑body relaxation techniques

30. Gradual return‑to‑function protocol Cleveland ClinicBMJ Best Practice

---

Pharmacological Treatments

When needed, medications may include:

1. Ibuprofen (NSAID)

2. Naproxen (NSAID)

3. Diclofenac (topical or oral NSAID)

4. Ketorolac (short‑term NSAID)

5. Aspirin (salicylate)

6. Acetaminophen (analgesic)

7. Cyclobenzaprine (muscle relaxant)

8. Tizanidine (muscle relaxant)

9. Baclofen (muscle relaxant)

10. Methocarbamol (muscle relaxant)

11. Diazepam (benzodiazepine‑based muscle relaxant)

12. Prednisone (oral corticosteroid)

13. Prednisolone (oral corticosteroid)

14. Local lidocaine injection

15. Botulinum toxin (in refractory spasm)

16. Topical capsaicin (analgesic)

17. Transdermal analgesic patches

18. PRP (platelet‑rich plasma) injection

19. Hyaluronidase injection (reduce fibrosis)

20. Multivitamin & mineral supplements (support healing) AAFPAAFP

---

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be required for severe or non‑healing tears:

1. Primary direct muscle repair under general anesthesia

2. Debridement of necrotic tissue

3. Absorbable suture reconstruction of muscle fibers

4. Microvascular reimplantation for partial amputations ScienceDirect

5. Pedicled flap reconstruction (e.g., buccinator myomucosal flap)

6. Autologous muscle grafting

7. Scar tissue excision and release

8. Genioglossus advancement (in airway compromise)

9. Tongue base reduction (for obstructive sleep apnea)

10. Lingual nerve repair (if sensory deficit present) siddhhospital.org

---

Prevention Measures

To lower risk of extrinsic tongue muscle tears:

1. Warm up oral muscles with gentle tongue exercises Home | UConn Health

2. Practice proper swallowing mechanics

3. Avoid extreme mouth opening without support

4. Use protective mouthguards in contact sports

5. Maintain good hydration and electrolyte balance

6. Stretch and strengthen tongue muscles gradually Riverside Sports Therapy

7. Avoid forceful tongue movements (e.g., aggressive phonation)

8. Ensure careful intubation technique in surgery

9. Manage systemic conditions (e.g., connective tissue disorders)

10. Regular dental checks to prevent iatrogenic injury

---

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:

• Severe tongue pain limiting speech or swallowing

• Persistent bleeding or expanding hematoma

• Difficulty breathing or airway compromise

• Signs of infection (fever, redness, pus)

• Weakness or numbness in the tongue that worsens

• No improvement after 48–72 hours of home care WebMD

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What exactly is an extrinsic tongue muscle tear?
   A tear is when fibers of one of the four muscles anchoring the tongue become overstretched or ruptured, causing pain and movement problems.

2. How is it diagnosed?
   Diagnosis combines a physical exam with imaging (ultrasound or MRI) and sometimes EMG to assess muscle damage.

3. Can mild tears heal on their own?
   Yes, Grade I tears often recover fully with rest, ice, and therapy within a few weeks.

4. When is surgery needed?
   Surgery is reserved for Grade III tears, non-healing tears, or when airway and swallowing are compromised.

5. How long does recovery take?
   Mild tears: 2–4 weeks; moderate: 4–8 weeks; severe: may require 3–6 months and possible surgery.

6. Will speech be affected long term?
   Most patients regain normal speech, especially with early therapy; severe tears may leave mild articulation changes.

7. Can I eat normally after a tear?
   Initially, a soft or liquid diet is recommended; regular diet resumes as pain subsides and function returns.

8. Are there exercises I can do at home?
   Yes—simple tongue protrusion, lateralization, and strengthening exercises prescribed by a speech therapist help recovery.

9. What over‑the‑counter drugs help?
   NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and acetaminophen are first-line for pain and inflammation.

10. Is swelling normal?
    Yes, swelling peaks within 24–48 hours; if it worsens after that, seek medical care.

11. Can these tears recur?
    Recurrence is rare if prevention measures (warm‑up, proper technique) are followed.

12. Do I need dental or ENT follow‑up?
    Referral to ENT is common; dental evaluation ensures no bite-related risks.

13. Are corticosteroid injections helpful?
    Sometimes used for persistent inflammation, but risks and benefits must be weighed.

14. Can physical therapy help?
    Yes—manual and myofunctional therapy are key non‑pharmacological treatments.

15. What if I can’t stick out my tongue fully?
    This suggests significant muscle damage; consult a specialist for imaging and possible surgery.

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team Rxharun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: April 17, 2025.