Geographic tongue, also called benign migratory glossitis, is a harmless condition that makes the surface of your tongue look patchy, almost like a map. The exact cause isn't fully known, but genetics, Hypoglossal Nerve: What It Is, Function, Anatomy & Conditions Chest Voice vs. Head Voice: Where Do You Feel the Vibration? Gate Theory: How Vibration Can Trick Your Brain Into Not Feeling Pain! Massachusetts Dermatology Associates Tingling tongue: Causes and when to see a doctor Tingling tongue and anxiety: Causes, treatment, and more