Phrenic Nerve Dysfxn

Your Path

  • Phrenic nerve dysfxn

Etiology

  • Damaged phrenic nerve

Risk Factors

  • Trauma
  • Surgical injury
  • Idiopathic
  • Neuro/Muscular d/o→ ALS, NMJ dz, cancer

Symptoms

  • Sob and DOE
  • Worse lying down
  • If bilateral involvement→ worse sx than unilateral

Physical Exam Findings

  • Abdomen may move inward (paradoxically) w/inspiration
  • Absence of diaphragmatic excursion on percussion
  • Decreased breath sounds at base of affected lung

Links