Tongue And Stroke Symptoms

Tongue and Stroke Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction to Stroke Symptoms and Tongue Diagnosis

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, often resulting in a range of neurological deficits. Among these, tongue-related symptoms and their diagnostic significance have garnered attention in recent research. This article synthesizes findings from multiple studies to provide a clear understanding of the relationship between tongue symptoms and stroke.

Common Stroke Symptoms and Tongue Characteristics

Research has identified several common symptoms in high-risk stroke groups, including blurred vision, irritability, pain in the waist and knees, dizziness, and dry eyes. Tongue characteristics frequently observed in these patients include white moss, thin moss, string pulse, dark tongue, and red tongue. These symptoms and tongue features vary significantly across different genders and age groups, indicating the complexity of stroke manifestations.

Tongue Deviation and Stroke Localization

Tongue deviation is a notable symptom in stroke patients, often indicating the location of the brain lesion. For instance, a case study of an 81-year-old male with right-sided hemiparesis and tongue deviation to the right side highlighted the involvement of the cortico-hypoglossal fibers and corticospinal fibers prior to their decussations. Another study found that 29% of stroke patients exhibited tongue deviation, which was always to the side of limb weakness and frequently associated with dysphagia and dysarthria. This deviation is most common in patients with large, non-lacunar infarcts and is linked to supranuclear 7th nerve palsy.

Sensory Disturbances in the Tongue

Sensory disturbances in the tongue, such as numbness, can also be indicative of stroke. A case of a 62-year-old man with numbness in the left tip of the tongue and lower lip due to a thalamic hemorrhage underscores the potential for central neurological involvement in such sensory disturbances. This highlights the importance of considering central causes when diagnosing sensory issues in the tongue.

Oro-Facial Impairment and Quality of Life

Stroke can lead to significant oro-facial impairments, affecting masticatory performance, facial symmetry, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Reduced tongue forces and disturbed oral sensitivity are common, contributing to impaired chewing efficiency and dysphagia. These impairments necessitate targeted rehabilitation to improve the strength and coordination of the oro-facial musculature, thereby enhancing OHRQoL and preventing malnutrition.

Tongue Pressure as a Predictor of Pneumonia

Swallowing dysfunction is a risk factor for aspiration pneumonia in stroke patients. Tongue pressure measurement has emerged as a simple, non-invasive method for evaluating this dysfunction. Studies have shown that low tongue pressure can predict pneumonia occurrence in acute stroke patients, with significant improvements in tongue pressure observed within the first two weeks post-stroke. This measurement is also useful in determining appropriate dysphagia diet forms, aiding in the management of nutritional state and prevention of aspiration pneumonia.

Conclusion

The relationship between tongue symptoms and stroke is multifaceted, encompassing diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic dimensions. Understanding these connections can enhance stroke diagnosis and management, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Further research and clinical application of these findings will continue to refine our approach to stroke care.

Summary

Not a yes or no question