A Case of Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy after Tonsillectomy.
10.3342/kjorl-hns.2010.53.3.172
- Author:
Jung Hae CHO
1
;
Sung Cheon PARK
;
Jong Min LEE
;
Yong Jin PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. jhchomd@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Tonsillectomy;
Hypoglossal nerve palsy
- MeSH:
Adult;
Counseling;
Dysarthria;
Female;
Humans;
Hypoglossal Nerve;
Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases;
Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries;
Mouth;
Neck;
Neurologic Examination;
Tongue;
Tonsillectomy
- From:Korean Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
2010;53(3):172-174
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Tonsillectomy is a common procedure in the ENT department but unusual complications related to nerve injury might be associated with the surgery. We report a case of permanent hypoglossal nerve palsy following tonsillectomy in a 33-year-old female patient. The findings from the neurologic examination were unremarkable except for tongue deviation to the left, hemiatrophy of the tongue and associated dysarthria. Forceful pressure and stretch of hypoglossal nerve during surgery can explain the cause of injury. To avoid nerve compression, intermittent release of the mouth gag and avoidance of neck hyperextension are suggested especially when long operation time would be expected. Although rare, having knowledge of the existence of hypoglossal nerve injury complicating tonsillectomy is important when counseling patients.
