Tapia syndrome following TMJ gap arthroplasty: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Tapia syndrome is an extremely rare condition involving simultaneous paralysis of cranial nerves X (recurrent laryngeal branch) and XII. It is mostly believed to occur as a neuropraxic complication of intraoperative airway management. We present a unique case of a 17-year-old female with dysphonia, dysphagia, and deviation of tongue to the right side following temporomandibular joint gap arthroplasty for release of left TMJ ankylosis. A clinical diagnosis of Tapia's syndrome was made on exclusion of surgical or intracranial etiology and conservative management was performed. The aim of this study is to discuss the possible etiology, symptoms, and treatment of this disease along with a review of seven cases of Tapia syndrome associated with maxillofacial surgeries.