J Korean Soc Emerg Med.  2008 Jun;19(3):346-348.

Lingual Hematoma Secondary to Tongue Biting During Convulsion - a Life-threatening Complication and Emergency Airway Management

• Cho YS
• Kim HJ
• Lim H

Abstract

Traumatic lingual hematoma is a rare condition but can be a life-threatening complication. Upper airway obstruction is a threat until glossomegaly subsides, which may take several days. We report a case of lingual hematoma secondary to tongue biting during convulsion. A 51-year-old male was admitted to an emergency medical center with a complain of loss of consciousness. In the emergency medical center, he fell into a second convulsion and bit his own tongue. Physical examination demonstrated obstructed upper airway noises, the presence of blood in and around the mouth and massive tongue swelling. The patient was tachypneic and oxygen saturation dropped rapidly despite of assisted bagvalve mask ventilation. Direct larnygoscopic orotracheal intubation was attempted but failed, and cricothyrotomy was eventually performed. The patient was discharged without any complications after 17 days. This case represents a previously unreported cause of acute tongue swelling, and we discuss the emergency airway management.

Keyword

Hematoma; Tongue; Airway obstruction

MeSH Terms

Airway Management
Airway Obstruction
Bites and Stings
Emergencies
Hematoma
Humans
Intubation
Isothiocyanates
Male
Masks
Middle Aged
Mouth
Noise
Oxygen
Physical Examination
Seizures
Tongue
Unconsciousness
Ventilation
Isothiocyanates
Oxygen