What to do if the swallowing nerve is damaged

Our nerves control the movement of the muscles in our body. If there is a problem with the nerves, it will be difficult for us to move. So, what should we do if the swallowing nerve is damaged? Generally speaking, patients need timely treatment because timely treatment can reduce nerve damage. So, how to treat swallowing nerve damage? Let’s take a look at the specific treatment methods below!

The glossopharyngeal nerve is a mixed nerve and an important sensory afferent nerve in the glossopharynx. Its motor branch is responsible for the function of the soft palate, and its parasympathetic fibers are responsible for the secretion of the parotid gland. The glossopharyngeal nerve belongs to the posterior cranial nerve. Traumatic damage is mostly caused by the fracture line affecting the jugular foramen. However, lesions in the jugular foramen area of ​​the posterior cranial fossa are very likely to cause damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve. Damage and injury to the glossopharyngeal nerve often affect the posterior cranial nerves at the same time, and isolated glossopharyngeal nerve injury is extremely rare in clinical practice. It manifests as reduced or absent taste in the posterior 1/3 of the tongue on the affected side, reduced or lost general sensation in the upper pharynx, and drooping soft palate.

Clinical manifestations

1. Glossopharyngeal nerve damage on one side

Symptoms include loss of taste in the posterior 1/3 of the tongue on the same side, disappearance of pain in the root of the tongue and the isthmus area (because they still have their own sensations, pharyngeal reflex and swallowing reflex disorders are usually absent), weak pharyngeal muscles on the same side, and obvious parotid gland secretion disorders. In clinical practice, it is rare for the glossopharyngeal nerve to be damaged alone, and it often occurs simultaneously with damage to the posterior cranial nerves. When one side of the glossopharyngeal, vagus nerve or its nerve nucleus is damaged, paralysis of the soft palate on the same side, decreased or absent pharyngeal sensation, disappearance of pharyngeal reflex, choking and hoarseness may occur.

2. Bilateral glossopharyngeal nerve injury

Patients have serious problems with eating, swallowing, and pronunciation. In severe cases, when the patient utters an "ah" sound, the soft palate and uvula deviate to the healthy side, and the patient may even be unable to pronounce or swallow, and saliva may flow out. This is called true bulbar palsy.

treat

1. Treatment of the cause

Treatment is provided to target the cause of glossopharyngeal nerve damage, such as inflammation, tumors, vascular disease, etc. Eliminating the cause is an important basis for ensuring the recovery of glossopharyngeal nerve function.

2. Promote nerve function recovery

Glossopharyngeal nerve injury or damage caused by trauma, tumors, surgery and other diseases is generally treated conservatively with neurotrophic and vasodilator drugs and steroid hormones, such as vitamin B1, vitamin B12, nerve growth factor, brain protein hydrolysate (cerebrolysin), dibazole, nimodipine, dexamethasone, etc.

3. Treatment of Complications

Severely ill patients with vagus nerve damage may develop pneumonia due to aspiration caused by swallowing disorders. If necessary, tracheotomy should be performed in the acute phase to maintain airway patency and prevent pneumonia. Some patients have to rely on nasogastric tube feeding for a long time.