Damage to the N. phrenicus

Damage to the phrenic nerve can have various causes and lead to loss of its function. Consequently, unilateral damage to the nerve can lead to a raised diaphragm on the affected side. In the case of damage to the phrenic nerve on both sides, the entire diaphragm is usually affected by the paralysis.

The damage can already be in the spinal cord or in the corresponding nerve roots when exiting the spinal canal. The phrenic nerve can be damaged directly, i.e., for example, by a cut in the thorax or neck during surgery, or by a tear caused by an accidental injury. In addition, a tumor or similar can press on the nerve and thus affect it permanently.

A slipped disc in the cervical spine or a similar space-consuming process in the cervical spine can also cause damage to the phrenic nerve. The probability that the phrenic nerve will recover on its own after an impairment naturally always depends on the extent of the injury. However, if the nerve is completely severed, it is rather unlikely to grow together and regain its function.

Inflammation of the phrenic nerve

Inflammation of the phrenic nerve can lead to flaccid paralysis of the diaphragm, especially if the nerve is affected on both sides. The nerve roots that form the phrenic nerve can, for example, be affected by the so-called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which leads to an acute inflammation, or they can have inflammatory changes in the context of Lyme disease.

Paresis of the N. phrenicus

For the diagnosis of paresis of the phrenic nerve, an x-ray of the thorax can be used, in which the elevation of the diaphragm can be easily assessed. In addition, during the physical examination, the increased activity of the respiratory muscles between the ribs can be recognized by the difficulty in breathing. In theory, the function of the phrenic nerve can also be tested by means of electroneurography and electromyography, but this examination is difficult to implement in practice. If an inflammation is suspected, the diagnosis can be extended to include an appropriate examination of blood and neural fluid to confirm the suspicion. To clarify a slipped disc of the cervical spine, an MRI of the cervical spine can be done.