Once a diagnosis is made, treatment can begin. A lot of research is focusing on direct nerve repair as well as nerve transfers to correct problems such as facial paralysis, and surgical techniques are improving regarding the hypoglossal nerves as well as several other nerves of the face.
Can the vagus nerve be damaged during intubation?
Tapia Syndrome paralysis of vagus and hypoglossal nerves after intubation. Tapia syndrome is synchronous paresis or paralysis of the Vagus and Hypoglossal nerves (CN’s X and XII) occurring after orotracheal intubation with the head maintained in a flexed position.
Can a damaged hypoglossal nerve be repaired?
Repair of Hypoglossal Nerve Injury Similar to facial nerve repairs, the ideal management involves establishment of a tension-free anastomosis (Avitia & Osborne, 2008). Although this is preferably performed with end-to-end anastomosis if possible, the use of interposition grafts can be used.
Is hypoglossal sensory or motor?
The trochlear, abducens, accessory, and hypoglossal nerves are only motor nerves; the trigeminal nerve is both sensory and motor; the oculomotor nerve is both motor and parasympathetic; the facial glossopharyngeal, and vagus nerves have sensory, motor, and parasympathetic components (Standring, 2008).
What happens if vagus nerve is damaged?
If the vagus nerve becomes damaged by physical trauma or the growth of a tumor, it may cause digestive symptoms, or hoarseness, paralysis of the vocal cords and slowed heart rate.
What causes hypoglossal nerve damage?
Hypoglossal nerve injury results from direct manipulation of the nerve rather than from transection. The resultant compression and stretching of the nerve may induce ischemia, leading to neuroapraxia. If an acute injury is suspected, repair should be undertaken as soon as possible.
How common is solitary hypoglossal nerve palsy after procedural airway management?
We found 69 cases of HNP after procedural airway management reported in the literature from 1926–2013. Solitary hypoglossal nerve palsy (HNP) after airway management during general anesthesia is a rare complication that may occur after a variety of surgeries.
How does the laryngoscope blade exert force on the hypoglossal nerve?
A stylized illustration of this anatomy is presented in Figure 1 depicting where the tip of the laryngoscope blade can exert maximal force on the hypoglossal nerve as it enters the base of tongue laterally. Hypoglossal nerve injuries occurring from intubation are often neuropraxic in nature, though they may also be due to axonotmesis.
What is the role of CT in the evaluation of hypoglossal nerve injury?
The hypoglossal nerve may be injured during a condylectomy procedure. Preoperative bone window, computed tomographic (CT) images of the occipital condyle may help to localize the hypoglossal canal and its inner and outer orifices. Pariket M. Dubal, James K. Liu, in Nerves and Nerve Injuries, 2015
