An Uncommon Complication: Hypoglossal Nerve Palsy After Carotid Endarterectomy

Carotid artery stenosis is the important causes of ischemic stroke, and it may result in death. Many complications can occur during carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which is the standard revascularization procedure for treating severe carotid artery stenosis. CEA is applied for prevention of stroke occurred by atherosclerotic plaque which is located at the common carotid artery bifurcation and, commonly, internal carotid artery. In addition to serious complications, such as stroke, infection, myocardial infarction, postoperative bleeding and death, non-fatal complications, such as cranial nerve palsy, can also occur rarely. Cranial nerve injury is a well-recognized complication' of carotid endarterectomy. Although major injuries are rare, in several series where thorough pre and postoperative neurologic examinations were performed, the incidence of cranial nerve dysfunction after carotid surgery ranged from 9.7% to 39% Here we present the an 80-year-old male patient with hypoglossal nerve palsy after carotid endarterectomy as it is a rare complication.