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

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. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.