Diaphragmatic paralysis (patient information)
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Diaphragmatic paralysis |
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Diaphragmatic paralysis On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Diaphragmatic paralysis |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Mahda Alihashemi M.D. [2]
Overview
Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is usually asymptomatic. Respiratory distress is seen in bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis. Causes of diaphragmatic paralysis include unknown in many cases, Phrenic nerve injury in cardiac surgery and some viral infections. Patients after cardiac surgery and viral infection are at higher risk. Chest radiography, fluoroscopic sniff test , measurement of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) and ultrasound are diagnostic studies for diaphragmatic paralysis. Treatment options include ventilatory support and diaphragmatic pacing. Prognosis is excellent in unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, but bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is a medical emergency.
What are the Symptoms of (Disease name)?
Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis:
- Usually without any symptoms
- Shortness of breath during exercise
- shortness of breath with lying flat position
- Low level of energy
Bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis:
What Causes (disease name)?
- Unknown in many causes
- Phrenic nerve injury in cardiac surgery
- Some viral infections
- Large tumors in cervical spinal cord
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Thyroid Disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Polymyositis
- Neck injury
Who is at Highest Risk?
- Patients after open heart surgery
- Patients after viral infection
- Patients with neurologic disease
Diagnosis
- Chest radiography
- Fluoroscopic sniff test
- Measurement of transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi)
- Ultrasound
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Treatment Options
- Ventilatory support
- Diaphragmatic pacing: stimilation of the diaphragm by putting electrodes in neck or thorax.
Where to find Medical Care for (Disease name)?
Medical care for (disease name) can be found here.
Prevention
- Proper treatment of underlying diseases and infections.
What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Prognosis is generally excellent in unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, but bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis is a medical emergency.
Possible Complications
- Severe pulmonary dysfunction
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000434.htm