Diaphragm Paralysis and Phrenic Nerve Reconstruction
Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute uses the most advanced treatment options to restore function to patients who experience diaphragmatic paralysis or weakness.
Your diaphragm helps you breathe by forcing air in and out of your lungs. It is controlled by the phrenic nerve, which is attached to the neck area of your spine. Patients with a paralyzed diaphragm have reduced breathing capabilities or are unable to control their voluntary breathing.
Diaphragm paralysis can be unilateral or bilateral.
- Unilateral paralysis involves one side of the diaphragm. This means that the diaphragm is partially functioning, and the part that is paralyzed takes up more space in the chest cavity meant for the lungs which interferes with breathing.
- Bilateral paralysis occurs when the entire diaphragm is paralyzed. This means that the diaphragm is unable to function in inhalation and exhalation and often requires a machine to assist with breathing.
Find a Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery Expert
Our interprofessional team provides life-changing treatment approaches dedicated to help you regain function, breathe easier and eliminate or reduce discomfort so you can live your best life. We bring together different specialists to provide you with a comprehensive, convenient care experience.
Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute?
Quality
Our neurology and neurosurgery care consistently ranks among the best in the state. We combine leading-edge treatment and research with expert clinical care in the most comprehensive health care network in New Jersey.
Expertise
The Center for Treatment of Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the first in New Jersey to attain Global Healthcare Accreditation for Medical Travel Services. This prestigious accreditation illustrates our unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to both local, national and international patients.
Patient Experience
We work with you to develop a personalized plan designed to meet your goals and improve your quality of daily living. The plan can include non-surgical treatments, physical therapy as well as surgery.
What Causes Diaphragm Paralysis or Weakness?
Typically, diaphragm paralysis or weakness is caused by pressure on the phrenic nerve or damage to the nerve itself which makes breathing difficult. Phrenic nerve damage can be caused by:
- Birth defects
- Diseases of the nervous system, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis
- Injury, such as an upper cervical spinal cord injury that has spared the phrenic nerve
- Phrenic nerve fraying or damaging following cardiothoracic or pulmonary surgery
- Cervical spine arthritis
- Cancer that has spread and compresses the phrenic nerve
Diagnosis and Treatment
Damage to the phrenic nerve causing diaphragm paralysis is challenging to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to those suffering from pneumonia and asthma. We perform electrodiagnostic tests, electromyography, and nerve conduction studies that look at the diaphragm muscle and phrenic nerve function to identify the underlying cause.
Our treatments encompass a range of methods to restore function that have been damaged through disease or nerve injury. Our comprehensive management includes a series of non-surgical and physical/occupational therapy treatment options. Surgical options are also available for more advanced cases or if breathing becomes so limited that daily activities are affected.
- Phrenic nerve surgery to reverse diaphragm paralysis and restore breathing functionality.
- Diaphragm pacemaker surgery for those who are oxygen- or ventilator-dependent, such as those with high spinal cord injury or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
- Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for patients who are ventilator-dependent or who struggle to perform daily tasks while breathing normally.
Our Doctors
At Hackensack Meridian Health, we bring together different specialists in one all-inclusive visit, helping to provide the best, most convenient health care experience for patients and families.
Neurological and Neurosurgical Services
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
- Brain and Spine Tumor Treatments
- Brain Trauma and Concussions
- Cranial Base Surgery
- Diagnostic Services
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Essential Tremor
- Headache and Migraine Treatments
- Hereditary Neuropathies
- Memory Loss and Brain Health
- Movement Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Neuropsychology
- Neurosurgery
- Paralysis and Reconstructive Nerve Surgery
- Parkinson's Disease
- Sleep Medicine
- Spine Care
- Stroke Care
- Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery
