Persistent Numbness in Surgery — 50yo Woman | General Surgery | SMLE Q#10939
SMLE Question #10939
Surgery
General Surgery
Objective: OBJ-TRACH-EMERG-01
Last updated: February 2026
A 50-year-old woman presents 3 weeks after a left lateral neck dissection for metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy with persistent numbness and tingling around the lower left ear and skin over the angle of the mandible and upper neck. On examination, sensation is decreased over the anterior and posterior aspects of the lower pinna and the adjacent skin at the mandibular angle and upper neck. Facial motor function and shoulder shrug are intact. Which nerve was most likely injured during the neck dissection?
Continue in practice mode
Sign in and start a focused practice session to view options, submit your answer, and read the full explanation.