Bilateral Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy After Cardiac Surgery

Although rare, hypoglossal nerve palsy is a perioperative complication that can have deleterious effects on patient well-being. Most cases are self-limited and resolve completely in 4 to 6 months; however, some patients experience more lasting effects. Anesthesiologists should take appropriate precautions when positioning a patient's head and neck during intubation and throughout the duration of surgery to help prevent hypoglossal nerve injury.