Diaphragmatic Paralysis

Diaphragmatic paralysis is weakness/paralysis of diaphragm due to phrenic nerve injury (surgery/trauma/malignancy/idiopathic/neurologic), causing dyspnea (worse supine/exertion), basilar atelectasis, and hemidiaphragm elevation. Treatment: identify/treat cause (malignancy/neurologic); pulmonary rehab; nocturnal NIV if hypercapnia; diaphragmatic plication for symptomatic persistent dyspnea; monitor ventilation; treat atelectasis; evaluate underlying neoplasm.

Common Symptoms

Dyspnea (worse supine/exertion); basilar atelectasis; hemidiaphragm elevation

Causes and Pathogenesis

Phrenic nerve injury causes diaphragmatic paralysis and reduced tidal volume.

Treatment

Treat cause; pulmonary rehab; NIV if hypercapnia; plication if symptomatic

Preventive Measures

Careful cardiothoracic surgery; evaluate underlying malignancy.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Pulmonology/Neurology/Thoracic-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.