DIAPHRAGMATIC PARALYSIS

Course overview

Course Objectives: 1.Describe the anatomy of the diaphragm. 2.List causes of diaphragmatic paralysis. 3.List the signs and symptoms of diaphragmatic paralysis 4.Discuss the diagnosis and work up of a patient with diaphragmatic paralysis 5.Describe the treatments for diaphragmatic paralysis Abstract Diaphragmatic paralysis can be unilateral or bilateral. Even though the diaphragm is the major muscle of respiration, there are other respiratory muscles, known as accessory muscles that also play a role in respiration. These include the scalene, parasternal portion of the internal and external intercostal muscles, sternocleidomastoid, and trapezius. In patients with bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis, these accessory muscles adapt and assume some of the work of breathing by contracting more strongly. However, the accessory muscles do not have the reserve capacity of the diaphragm and when they tire out, the patient will develop respiratory failure. Unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis generally has a better prognosis.