Question 1

Why does the phrenic nerve exit the spinal cord at the cervical level?

Accepted Answer

It originates in the neck (C3-C5) & passes down between heart & lungs, then reaches the diaphragm. It is important for breathing.

Question 2

My right phrenic nerve is paralized  a dr from new jersey seems to have good sucess repairing it is this for real or is that an internet myth?

Accepted Answer

There are surgical treatments available to improve lung function in patients with unilateral (one sided) phrenic nerve paralysis.  None of the procedures is 100% effective and all have potential complications.  The risks and benefits must be carefully weighed.  The more impaired your breathing is, the more potential benefit you can get.  Start by discussing this w.  your PCP.

Question 3

Is phrenic nerve palsy a common occurrence with a regional anaesthetic? is it mainly due to the anaesthetists error? 
presumably it shouldn't happen?

Accepted Answer

since your question is not very clear I am going to be broad as well. There are several mechanisms for phrenic nerve palsy. to have phrenic nerve palsy due to regional anesthesia will be rather difficulty as phrenic nerve is consisted of C3-4-5 and travels along the media sternum so i am not sure how a regional anesthesia unless they impale the patient. infection, cervical stenosis, plexopathy ...

Question 4

Can thoracic outlet syndrome affect breathing or the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome involves the nerves traveling through the shoulder at the level of the 1st rib. The phrenic nerve does not typically travel through the outlet and is usually on the anterior scalene muscle that forms the anterior border of the outlet. Occasionally an accessory phrenic nerve may be dominant and travel through the outlet but I have not seen any cases with breathing problems.

Question 5

Is phrenic nerve irritation after thoracic outlet surgery likely to get better on its own?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, phrenic nerve problem occurs with even the best and smoothest of TOS surgeries, and although uncommon, creates some short-term problems.  Have found that many pts improve within 4-6 weeks but others take up to 4-6 months.  Rare in my experience to see no improvement by 6-9 months.  You might enhance your nerve recovery by taking a medical food, such as MetanX twice daily.

Question 6

I had the nissen fundoplication surgery 6 days ago and have been suffering from phrenic nerve pain. will it get better?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the surg and the swelling in the area of the phrenic nerve, time is the only way you will get an answer.
There is no way to make an prediction.

Question 7

What is the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

The phrenic nerve is the nerve that inner ages the diaphragm.  It emanates from the cervical spine.

Question 8

Can phrenic nerve palsy lead to / create higher risk of hiatal hernia?

Accepted Answer

Excellent question. It is very unlikely this would contribute to the development if a hiatal hernia, which would be a stretching out if the natural opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. Hope this helps!

Question 9

Are there med applications for addressing elevated diaphragm other than diaphragm pliation and/or that phrenic nerve stimulator?

Accepted Answer

The phrenic nerve supplies movement to the diaphragm for breathing. Although recovery can be achieved with time, a younger age appears to have better recovery. Muscle plication can improve breathing function, but not fix muscle dysfunction.  Electrical stimulation will improve muscle function, but can have limited lifespan with failure.  Nerve graft and exploration are other treatment  options.

Question 10

Can surgery for gsstric bypass, peg tube placement or central line damage the phrenic nerve?

Accepted Answer

The phrenic nerve is from above the diaphragm and the procedures your mentioned are all below this level...

Phrenic nerve damage symptoms

Why does the phrenic nerve exit the spinal cord at the cervical level?

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My right phrenic nerve is paralized a dr from new jersey seems to have good sucess repairing it is this for real or is that an internet myth?

Is phrenic nerve palsy a common occurrence with a regional anaesthetic? is it mainly due to the anaesthetists error? presumably it shouldn't happen?

Can thoracic outlet syndrome affect breathing or the phrenic nerve?

Is phrenic nerve irritation after thoracic outlet surgery likely to get better on its own?

I had the nissen fundoplication surgery 6 days ago and have been suffering from phrenic nerve pain. will it get better?

What is the phrenic nerve?

Can phrenic nerve palsy lead to / create higher risk of hiatal hernia?

Are there med applications for addressing elevated diaphragm other than diaphragm pliation and/or that phrenic nerve stimulator?

Can surgery for gsstric bypass, peg tube placement or central line damage the phrenic nerve?

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Phrenic nerve damage symptoms

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