clinical - paralysis of the diaphragm Flashcards
what is diaphragmatic paralysis due to?
an interruption in its nervous supply
where can diaphragmatic paralysis occur?
in the phrenic nerve, cervical spinal cord, or the brainstem
what is the most often cause of diaphragmatic paralysis?
due to a lesion of the phrenic nerve
what are the 4 main causes of lesion of the phrenic nerve?
Mechanical trauma
Compression
Myopathies
Neuropathies
what is mechanical trauma that can lead to lesion of the phrenic nerve?
ligation or damage to the nerve during surgery
what is a cause of compression leading to lesion of the phrenic nerve?
due to a tumour within the chest cavity
what is a myopathy cause of lesion of the phrenic nerve?
such as myasthenia gravis
what is a neuropathic cause of lesion of the phrenic nerve?
diabetic neuropathy
what does paralysis of the diaphragm produce?
produces a paradoxical movement
what happens to the affected side of the diaphragm?
The affected side of the diaphragm moves upwards during inspiration, and downwards during expiration
which type of diaphragmatic paralysis is usually asymptomatic?
A unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis
how do you normally find a unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis?
most often an incidental finding on x-ray
what happens if both sides are paralysed?
the patient may experience poor exercise tolerance, orthopnoea and fatigue
what types of tests will show restrictive deficit?
Lung function tests
how is diaphragmatic paralysis managed?
Management of diaphragmatic paralysis is two-fold
