Journal of Medicine and Life Science

Institute for Medical Science (제주대학교 의과학연구소)
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Unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy after mild COVID-19: a case report

  • Sang Jae Lee (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine) ;
  • Si-Youn Song (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine) ;
  • Hyung Gyun Na (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine) ;
  • Chang Hoon Bae (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine) ;
  • Yong-Dae Kim (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine) ;
  • Yoon Seok Choi (Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yeungnam University College of Medicine)
  • Received : 2023.03.28
  • Accepted : 2023.05.03
  • Published : 2023.06.30
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Abstract

Post-acute coronavirus disease (COVID-19) syndrome is defined as persistent symptoms or delayed complications after COVID-19. Several cases of cranial nerve invasion related to COVID-19 have been reported. However, to our knowledge, no cases of solitary unilateral hypoglossal nerve paralysis after mild COVID-19 without intubation have been reported to date. Herein, we report the case of a 64-year-old man with unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy as a complication of COVID-19. He complained of dysarthria and tongue discomfort 2 weeks after COVID-19 onset. Brain and neck computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, and blood tests ruled out other possible causes. The patient's nerve palsy was rapidly diagnosed and improved with early rehabilitation. Understanding of the pathology of COVID-19 is still limited. Physicians should focus on patients' symptoms and their relationship to COVID-19, and investigate complications immediately. This case highlights the importance of early detection and rehabilitation of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome.

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References

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