What would happens if the hypoglossal nerve is damaged?

The hypoglossal nerve can be damaged at the hypoglossal nucleus (nuclear), above the hypoglossal nucleus (supranuclear), or interrupted at the motor axons (infranuclear). Such damage causes paralysis, fasciculations (as noted by a scalloped appearance of the tongue), and eventual atrophy of the tongue muscles.

Is there a nerve in your tongue that can paralyze you?

The hypoglossal nerve is the most commonly involved lower cranial nerve220; the patient may present with unilateral, often asymptomatic tongue paralysis,221–223 or with bilateral and disabling paralysis.

What problems can the vagus nerve cause?

Decreasing inflammation: The vagus nerve sends an anti-inflammatory signal to other parts of the body. Lowering the heart rate and blood pressure: If the vagus nerve is overactive, it can lead to the heart being unable to pump enough blood around the body.

Can a cranial nerve injury occur during a carotid endarterectomy?

Although laceration may occur, transaction injuries probably are unusual, while blunt trauma probably is responsible for most cranial nerve injuries during carotid endarterectomy. Most importantly, in any study reporting on cranial nerve injury related to carotid endarterectomy the rate of permanent lesions seems very low.

What are the side effects of a carotid endarterectomy?

Some possible complications of carotid endarterectomy include: Stroke or TIA. Heart attack. Pooling of blood into tissue around the incision site causing swelling. Nerve problems with certain functions of the eyes, nose, tongue, or ears. Bleeding into the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage)

Is there focal neuropraxia after a carotid endarterectomy?

Conclusions: The incidence of focal neuropraxia after carotid endarterectomy is presented. Most injuries are transient. However, permanent injuries can lead to significant disability. Extended follow-up will identify the small subset of patients with delayed complete nerve recovery. (J Vasc Surg 1997;25:481-7.)

Do you lose cervical nerve sensation after carotid surgery?

Loss of cervical nerve sensation is always present after carotid endarterectomy but tends to improve with time. However, the timing and extent of this improvement is unpredictable.