Bilateral Lingual Nerve Injury Following Endotracheal Intubation: Risk Factors and Diagnostic Considerations

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Neurology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Endotracheal intubation is crucial for airway management but carries risks.
• Common complications include hoarseness, spinal injury, and dental trauma.
• Lingual nerve palsy is an exceptionally rare complication.

Observation:

• A 52-year-old woman developed tongue numbness and taste loss post-hysterectomy.
• Symptoms included voice hoarseness and bilateral sensory deficits.
• MRI ruled out central neurological causes.

Findings:

• The patient was diagnosed with bilateral lingual nerve palsy.
• This represents the third reported case globally and the first bilateral case in 14 years.
• Lingual nerve injury can cause persistent tongue numbness, dryness, and taste dysfunction.

Implications:

• Lingual nerve palsy is a severe, albeit infrequent, consequence of airway manipulation.
• Prompt evaluation is necessary to exclude other neurological conditions.
• Conservative management and salivary function assessment are key in diagnosis and treatment planning.