Isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy after septoturbinoplasty: A case report

Hypoglossal nerve palsy is a rare complication following general anesthesia, typically observed after prolonged surgical procedures. This case report discusses a 27-year-old male patient with no significant past medical or surgical history who developed isolated right-sided hypoglossal nerve palsy following an uneventful septoturbinoplasty surgery. The hypoglossal nerve, vulnerable to injury during intubation due to its anatomical course, may result in symptoms such as swallowing difficulties, speech impairment, and tongue deviation. Prompt identification is essential to differentiate it from other serious conditions, such as stroke or airway obstruction. Treatment typically involves steroid therapy, with most cases showing improvement within months. Following oral prednisolone treatment, the patient experienced relief in tongue movements after 1 month, with further partial improvement after 2 months, leading to full clinical recovery by the end of the second month. Careful management during intubation and surgical procedures can help prevent this complication. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and proper management in minimizing the risk of hypoglossal nerve palsy during perioperative care.