What Are the Signs of a Patients Tongue Shortening?

Tongue shortening in patients is often a sign of more serious diseases, especially in the elderly. This condition can lead to unclear speech, which is often associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, particularly cerebral infarction, brain hypoxia and ischemia, and even local edema. Prompt examination and appropriate treatment are essential in such cases. Let's briefly discuss the signs and implications of tongue shortening in patients.

1. Signs of Tongue Shortening in Elderly Patients

Tongue shortening in elderly patients may indicate the presence of cerebral infarction. Vascular blockage can lead to impaired blood supply, ischemia, and hypoxia in the brain, causing edema, necrosis, or softening of localized brain tissue. Symptoms may include dysfunction of one side of the body, unclear speech, dizziness, headache, and fatigue. Elderly patients with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, arteriosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease are particularly susceptible. Cerebral infarction can cause damage and death to brain cells, often leading to poor prognosis. Immediate hospitalization and active treatment are recommended if symptoms are present.

2. Prognosis of Tongue Shortening in Elderly Patients

Tongue atrophy in the elderly is often a normal physiological process that does not significantly affect lifespan. However, the presence of taste buds on the tongue means that atrophy can lead to a decline in taste sensation, affecting appetite. In some cases, tongue atrophy may be a pathological change. For example, patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may experience atrophy and tremor of the tongue muscles, accompanied by generalized muscle atrophy. In severe cases, respiratory muscle atrophy can lead to respiratory failure. Such patients often succumb to complications such as lung infection and severe malnutrition within 3-5 years of onset. A minority of patients may survive for over 10 years or even longer.

3. Why Does the Tongue Shorten Near the End of Life?

Although the tongue does not have the same interconnectedness as organs like the mouth or ears, it is covered with numerous blood vessels and nerves. In traditional Chinese medicine, the tongue is believed to be connected to the internal organs. As a person approaches the end of their life, the essence of the internal organs is depleted, and the tongue may curl inward. The tongue has a particularly close relationship with the heart, and as heart function wanes, the tongue may shorten. Additionally, not only the tongue but other organs undergo significant changes near the end of life. For instance, the eyes may appear different, with pupils losing their ability to reflect images. The nose may also become distorted. Another telltale sign is the exhalation of cool breath, contrasting with the warm breath exhaled by healthy individuals.

Family members should be aware of these changes and prepare for the possibility of the patient's imminent departure.