International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 174-176, December 2010

Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy following open surgery in the beach-chair position under general anesthesia: A case report

Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Yongsan Hospital, Hangangro 3-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 140-757, Republic of Korea

Received 15 August 2009; accepted 29 September 2009. published online 02 November 2009.

Abstract 

Hypoglossal nerve palsy frequently occurs with other cranial nerve palsies; an isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy is rare. Most hypoglossal nerve palsies are caused by tumors. However, several reports have shown an association with oropharyngeal manipulation such as intubation, laryngeal mask airway or as a complication of surgery such as carotid endarterectomy, and tooth extraction. When the nerve was injured, a deviation to the affected side, atrophy, and tongue fasciculation could be observed. We treated a patient with isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy after open repair of a fracture of the humerus in the beach-chair position.

Keywords: Complication, Hypoglossal nerve palsy

 

PII: S1871-4048(09)00058-6

doi:10.1016/j.pedex.2009.09.005

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology Extra
Volume 5, Issue 4 , Pages 174-176, December 2010