Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2010 Mar;53(3):172-174. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2010.53.3.172.

A Case of Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy after Tonsillectomy

• Cho JH
• Park SC
• Lee JM
• Park YJ

• KMID: 1455703
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2010.53.3.172

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.

Keyword

Tonsillectomy; Hypoglossal nerve palsy

MeSH Terms

Adult
Counseling
Dysarthria
Female
Humans
Hypoglossal Nerve
Hypoglossal Nerve Diseases
Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries
Mouth
Neck
Neurologic Examination
Tongue
Tonsillectomy