Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy after endotracheal intubation for general anesthesia in a difficult airway patient: A case report.
10.17085/apm.2016.11.2.220
- Author:
Seung Jae LEE
1
;
Chang Hwan RYU
;
Kyoung Ho KWON
;
Nam Woo KIM
;
Hae Jeong JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea. hiha3758@ncc.re.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Endotracheal intubation;
General anesthesia;
Hypoglossal nerve;
Palsy
- MeSH:
Anesthesia, General*;
Deglutition Disorders;
Dysarthria;
Female;
Humans;
Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases*;
Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries;
Hypoglossal Nerve*;
Intubation;
Intubation, Intratracheal*;
Mastectomy, Modified Radical;
Middle Aged;
Paralysis;
Physical Examination;
Tongue
- From:Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
2016;11(2):220-223
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Hypoglossal nerve palsy after general anesthesia is an exceptionally rare complication, which has varied etiology. We present a case of unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy resulting from repeated airway intervention for general anesthesia. A 57-year-old woman was scheduled to undergo modified radical mastectomy. During endotracheal intubation, the patient had Cormack's grade III-a severe airway condition. After the first intubation attempt failed, the intubation was attempted a second time using a stylet inside the endotracheal tube with cricoid pressure; this attempt was successful. In the evening of the operation day, the patient complained of dysarthria and dysphagia. Physical examination revealed deviation of the tongue to the right, which may have been caused by traumatic hypoglossal nerve injury. This case reviews the pathophysiology, prevention, and management of hypoglossal nerve palsy.
