The Hypoglossal Nerve Injury Following Carotid Endarterectomy - A Case Report -

Original Article

J Korean Assoc EMG Electrodiagn Med 2012;14(2):92-94.
Published online December 1, 2012.

Received: 24 July 2012 • Revised: 7 November 2012 • Accepted: 7 November 2012

Abstract

Carotid endarterectomy(CEA) has been performed to remove the carotid lesions when plaques are suspected as the cause of the cerebro-vascular accidents. The complications of the central and peripheral nervous system have been reported. Among those, hypoglossal nerve injury is the most common one. CEA was provided to two male patients with cerebral infarction. After CEA, they suffered from the dysarthria, tongue atrophy, tongue deviation, dysphagia, and voice change. Nerve conduction study and electromyography were performed. Denervation potentials, polyphasic motor unit action potential of long duration and decreased recruitment were found in the tongue, and hypoglossal neuropathy was confirmed. Video fluoroscopic swallowing study showed the oral phase dysfunction, and swallowing training and speech therapy were provided. Over a few weeks, they could start to eat general diet and verbal symptoms were improved. This is the first report of the hypoglossal nerve injury following CEA in Republic of Korea.

Key Words: Carotid endarterectomy, Hypoglossal nerve injury, Dysphagia