Radiation-induced cranial nerve palsy: hypoglossal nerve and vocal cord palsies.

Abstract

Cranial nerve palsies are an unexpected complication of radiotherapy for head and neck tumours. We present a case of this radiation-induced cranial palsy. An 18-year-old female with nasopharyngeal carcinoma developed a right hypoglossal nerve palsy 42 months after cancericidal doses of radiotherapy. In addition, she developed a bilateral vocal cord palsy 62 months after therapy. Follow-up over four years has demonstrated no evidence of tumour recurrence and no sign of neurological improvement.

• Authors: T Takimoto, Y Saito, M Suzuki, T Nishimura
• Journal: The Journal of laryngology and otology (J Laryngol Otol) Vol. 105 Issue 1 Pg. 44-5 (Jan 1991) ISSN: 0022-2151 [Print] England
• PMID: 1999666 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Carcinoma, Squamous Cell (radiotherapy)
• Cranial Nerve Diseases (etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypoglossal Nerve (radiation effects)
• Lymphatic Metastasis
• Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms (radiotherapy)
• Radiotherapy (adverse effects)
• Vocal Cord Paralysis (etiology)