Bilateral hypoglossal nerve injury following the use of the laryngeal mask airway.
A healthy 54-year-old man undergoing elective knee arthroscopy developed bilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy, lasting 6 weeks following the use of a laryngeal mask airway. He suffered impairment of speech and difficulty in swallowing, the latter resulting in almost 7 kg loss of weight within 2 weeks of surgery. We discuss the possible aetiology of the injury and review the literature describing injuries to the hypoglossal nerve.
Stewart
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A
Department of Anaesthesia, St Helier Hospital, Wrythe Lane, Carshalton, Surrey SM5 1AA, UK. andreastewartsw7@yahoo.co.uk
Lindsay
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WA
D020209:Cranial Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D061228:Hypoglossal Nerve Injuries; D017214:Laryngeal Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged