Idiopathic Tapia Syndrome Following Routine Orotracheal Intubation in a Young Adult: A Case Report

TL;DR

A young adult developed Tapia syndrome after routine intubation, but fully recovered with speech therapy and care.

Contribution

Reports a rare case of idiopathic Tapia syndrome following low-risk intubation and successful recovery.

Findings

Patient showed dysarthria, dysphagia, and tongue deviation after intubation.

Neurological tests ruled out central or compressive lesions, confirming Tapia syndrome.

Intensive therapy led to full recovery within three months.

Abstract

Tapia syndrome is an extremely rare neurological complication affecting both the vagus (X) and hypoglossal (XII) nerves, usually as a result of mechanical trauma during endotracheal intubation. Associated symptoms can cause significant difficulties in swallowing and communication.

We present the case of a 20-year-old male with no relevant medical history who developed dysarthria, dysphagia, and rightward tongue deviation after routine intubation for an elective laparoscopic appendectomy. Neurological evaluation and electromyography showed no central or compressive lesions, confirming the clinical suspicion of post-intubation Tapia syndrome. Intensive speech therapy and close clinical follow-up resulted in complete recovery of lingual and vocal function within three months. From the patient’s perspective, the sudden onset of speech and swallowing difficulties caused significant anxiety and functional limitations, and the patient expressed satisfaction with the complete recovery achieved.

This case highlights the importance of early detection of post-anesthetic neurological complications, even after procedures considered low-risk, and underscores the effectiveness of timely multidisciplinary management.

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