clinical - paralysis of the diaphragm Flashcards

1
Q

what is diaphragmatic paralysis due to?

A

an interruption in its nervous supply

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2
Q

where can diaphragmatic paralysis occur?

A

in the phrenic nerve, cervical spinal cord, or the brainstem

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3
Q

what is the most often cause of diaphragmatic paralysis?

A

due to a lesion of the phrenic nerve

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4
Q

what are the 4 main causes of lesion of the phrenic nerve?

A

Mechanical trauma
Compression
Myopathies
Neuropathies

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5
Q

what is mechanical trauma that can lead to lesion of the phrenic nerve?

A

ligation or damage to the nerve during surgery

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6
Q

what is a cause of compression leading to lesion of the phrenic nerve?

A

due to a tumour within the chest cavity

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7
Q

what is a myopathy cause of lesion of the phrenic nerve?

A

such as myasthenia gravis

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8
Q

what is a neuropathic cause of lesion of the phrenic nerve?

A

diabetic neuropathy

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9
Q

what does paralysis of the diaphragm produce?

A

produces a paradoxical movement

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10
Q

what happens to the affected side of the diaphragm?

A

The affected side of the diaphragm moves upwards during inspiration, and downwards during expiration

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11
Q

which type of diaphragmatic paralysis is usually asymptomatic?

A

A unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis

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12
Q

how do you normally find a unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis?

A

most often an incidental finding on x-ray

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13
Q

what happens if both sides are paralysed?

A

the patient may experience poor exercise tolerance, orthopnoea and fatigue

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14
Q

what types of tests will show restrictive deficit?

A

Lung function tests

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15
Q

how is diaphragmatic paralysis managed?

A

Management of diaphragmatic paralysis is two-fold

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16
Q

what is the first part of management of diaphragmatic paralysis?

A

the underlying cause must be identified and treated

17
Q

what is the second part of the treatment?

A

deals with symptomatic relief. This is usually via non-invasive ventilation, such as a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine