Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 5/3/2008

Question
I had surgery on Wed. 4/30 and today is Saturday 5/3. After the surgery my tongue was totally numb and I had a hard time swallowing.  My tongue on the left side is still a little numb but better than on Wed. It is better but I still am talking with a lisp?  It is very frustrating. Will my tongue totally go back to normal? Could I have permanent damage to my tongue from anethesia?

Answer
My feeling is that the numbness is caused by the tube they put in to help you breathe. It should go away within a couple of days. If it doesn't you should get seen by a physician to make sure nothing else is going on.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston