Lingual Tonsillectomy Risks: Damage to Lingual Nerve Affecting Taste and Touch
A lingual tonsillectomy, a procedure to remove the lingual tonsils, carries a risk of damaging the nerve. This nerve is crucial for the tongue's senses of taste and touch. The operation is performed to treat conditions like sleep apnea or recurrent infections.
The lingual nerve branches off the mandibular nerve and winds around the submandibular duct to reach the tongue. It provides sensation to the tongue's front two-thirds and its underside. The nerve carries nerve fibers from the facial nerve's chorda tympani to transmit taste to the brain.
Damage to the lingual nerve can cause the tongue to tingle or feel numb. Certain dental procedures, especially those using local anaesthetics, can also harm the lingual nerve.
While lingual tonsillectomy is a rare procedure, it is important to be aware of the potential risks, including damage to the lingual nerve. Patients should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider before undergoing the surgery.
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