title: Bilateral hypoglossal nerve injury after bilateral carotid endarterectomy.
abstract: A case of severe bilateral injury to the hypoglossal nerves after two-stage carotid endarterectomy is described. Injury to the hypoglossal nerve occurs in up to 20% of patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and may result in mild or unnoticed deficits. These injuries must be carefully searched for in patients who will undergo a similar procedure on the opposite side since a bilateral deficit of the hypoglossal nerve is poorly tolerated, causing potentially serious impairment of speech and risk of aspiration.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, Burlington, MA 01805.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gutrecht
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002340:Carotid Artery Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004691:Endarterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D061228:Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries; D008297:Male