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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Numbness In Tongue After Being Intubated For Respiratory Failure?

I was intubated for several days after respiratory failure at home. I was released from the hospital several days ago and still have a numb tongue and roof of my mouth. Is this normal in view of what happened? How long can I expect this to continue?
Tue, 12 May 2015
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Dentist,  's  Response
Hi Dear,

Welcome to HCM team.

Understanding your concern.
As you describe in your query that you were intubated after respiratory failure and you have numbness in tongue few days after intubation ,Well this is very rare complication of intubation .

As far as anatomy is concerned the 12th(hypoglossal nerve) nerve which give supply to tongue is situated in close proximity to space where airways instrumentation is done .Sometimes injury occur to hypoglossal nerve during intubation ,Which results in numbness of tongue .

Apart from above reason there can be other reasons also for tongue numbness.So i would suggest you to visit neurologist as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treat it accordingly .

For now you can start vitamin b12 supplement .

Hope your concern has been resolved.

Best Wishes,
Dr. Harry Maheshwari
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What Causes Numbness In Tongue After Being Intubated For Respiratory Failure?

Hi Dear, Welcome to HCM team. Understanding your concern. As you describe in your query that you were intubated after respiratory failure and you have numbness in tongue few days after intubation ,Well this is very rare complication of intubation . As far as anatomy is concerned the 12th(hypoglossal nerve) nerve which give supply to tongue is situated in close proximity to space where airways instrumentation is done .Sometimes injury occur to hypoglossal nerve during intubation ,Which results in numbness of tongue . Apart from above reason there can be other reasons also for tongue numbness.So i would suggest you to visit neurologist as soon as possible for proper evaluation and treat it accordingly . For now you can start vitamin b12 supplement . Hope your concern has been resolved. Best Wishes, Dr. Harry Maheshwari