There are several conditions that can damage the phrenic nerve, including:
• traumatic injuries
• surgery
• cancer of the lungs or nearby lymph nodes
• Clinical conditions of the spinal cord
• Autoimmune diseases
• neuromuscular disorders (e.g. multiple sclerosis)
• some viral diseases
This injury can cause dysfunction or paralysis in the diaphragm. But damage to the phrenic nerve is not always accompanied by symptoms.
When it does, possible symptoms include:
• shortness of breath when lying down or while exercising
• morning headaches
• difficulty sleeping
• chest pain
Valentina Carlile - Osteopath expert in Osteopathy applied to voice and speech disorders since 2002. For information and reservations visit the page Contacts