Superior Longitudinal Muscle Fibrosis

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 9 min read
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Fibrosis of the superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is a condition in which healthy muscle fibers are replaced by excess connective tissue (scar), making the muscle stiff and less able to move. In fibrosis, specialized cells called fibroblasts and myofibroblasts lay down extra collagen,...

For severe symptoms, danger signs, pregnancy, child illness, or sudden worsening, seek urgent medical care.

বাংলা রোগী নোট এখনো যোগ করা হয়নি। পোস্ট এডিটরে “RX Bangla Patient Mode” বক্স থেকে সহজ বাংলা সারাংশ যোগ করুন।

এই তথ্য শিক্ষা ও সচেতনতার জন্য। এটি ডাক্তারি পরীক্ষা, রোগ নির্ণয় বা প্রেসক্রিপশনের বিকল্প নয়।

Article Summary

Fibrosis of the superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is a condition in which healthy muscle fibers are replaced by excess connective tissue (scar), making the muscle stiff and less able to move. In fibrosis, specialized cells called fibroblasts and myofibroblasts lay down extra collagen, leading to thickening and hardening of the muscle WikipediaPubMed. As scar tissue grows, the tongue’s ability to shorten, curl, and...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Anatomy of the Superior Longitudinal Muscle in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Types of Superior Longitudinal Muscle Fibrosis in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Causes in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Symptoms in simple medical language.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
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Definition

chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis of the superior longitudinal muscle of the tongue is a condition in which healthy muscle fibers are replaced by excess connective tissue (scar), making the muscle stiff and less able to move. In fibrosis, specialized cells called fibroblasts and myofibroblasts lay down extra collagen, leading to thickening and hardening of the muscle WikipediaPubMed. As scar tissue grows, the tongue’s ability to shorten, curl, and shape itself is impaired, often causing difficulty with speech, chewing, and swallowing PMC.

Anatomy of the Superior Longitudinal Muscle

Structure & Location

  • A thin layer of oblique and longitudinal fibers lying just under the mucous membrane on the top (dorsal) surface of the tongue RadiopaediaIMAIOS.

  • Confined entirely within the tongue (an intrinsic muscle), with no bony attachments RadiopaediaNCBI.

Origin

Fibers arise from the median fibrous (lingual) septum and the submucosal fibrous layer near the epiglottis RadiopaediaIMAIOS.

Insertion

Fibers run forward and insert into the tongue margins and overlying mucous membrane, extending to the tip and lateral edges RadiopaediaIMAIOS.

Blood Supply

Primarily from the lingual artery (a branch of the external carotid), which gives off:

  1. Dorsal lingual arteries – supply the back (root) and dorsum of the tongue.

  2. Deep lingual arteries – supply the body (anterior two‑thirds) of the tongue KenhubTeachMeAnatomy.

Nerve Supply

Motor innervation by the hypoglossal nerve (cranial nerve XII), which controls all intrinsic tongue muscles RadiopaediaWikipedia.

Main Functions

  1. Shortening and widening the tongue when it contracts alone.

  2. Dorsiflexion (curling the tip and sides upward) of the tongue apex.

  3. Retracting and slightly shortening the tongue when working with the inferior longitudinal muscle.

  4. Shaping the tongue to assist in precise speech articulation.

  5. Forming the dorsal surface contour for taste sensation and bolus control during chewing.

  6. Assisting in complex movements during swallowing and food manipulation RadiopaediaNCBI.

Types of Superior Longitudinal Muscle chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis

  1. Focal (Localized) chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Scar tissue in one small area of the muscle.

  2. Diffuse chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Uniform scarring throughout much of the muscle.

  3. Replacement chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Complete loss of muscle fibers replaced by collagen.

  4. Interstitial chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Excess collagen deposited between otherwise normal fibers.

  5. Post‑traumatic chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Follows tongue injury or surgery.

  6. Radiation‑induced chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: After radiation therapy to head and neck.

  7. Autoimmune‑mediated chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: e.g., systemic sclerosis affecting tongue tissues.

  8. Idiopathic chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: No identifiable cause.

  9. Congenital chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Present at birth, often genetic.

  10. Secondary chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis: Due to adjacent tissue disease (e.g., oral submucous chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">fibrosis) BioMed CentralPMC.

Causes

  1. Oral Submucous chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।" data-rx-term="fibrosis" data-rx-definition="Fibrosis means excess scar-like tissue formation after chronic injury or inflammation. সহজ বাংলা: অতিরিক্ত দাগের মতো টিস্যু তৈরি হওয়া।">Fibrosis (betel nut chewing)

  2. Head & neck radiation

  3. Traumatic injury (bites, falls)

  4. Surgical scars (e.g., tongue reduction)

  5. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)

  6. Amyloidosis

  7. Infectious myositis (viral/bacterial)

  8. Myofascial pain syndrome

  9. Muscular dystrophies (e.g., Duchenne)

  10. Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis)

  11. Graft‑versus‑host disease

  12. Chronic ulcerative lesions

  13. Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus)

  14. Diabetes‑related microangiopathy

  15. Neurologic denervation

  16. Chemical injuries (caustic agents)

  17. Radiation‑related fibrosis

  18. Aging‑related sarcopenia

  19. Genetic collagen disorders

  20. Persistent mechanical irritation (sharp teeth) WikipediaPubMed.

Symptoms

  1. Stiff tongue unable to move freely

  2. Reduced tongue shortening on protrusion

  3. Difficulty curling tongue tip upward

  4. Slurred speech (dysarthria)

  5. Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)

  6. Altered taste sensation

  7. Pain or discomfort in tongue

  8. Burning feeling under the mucosa

  9. Visible scar bands under mucous membrane

  10. Dry mouth due to limited saliva spread

  11. Chewing difficulty bolus manipulation

  12. Food trapping at sides of tongue

  13. Impaired gag reflex

  14. Difficulty with oral hygiene

  15. Tongue atrophy over time

  16. Fatigue when speaking or eating

  17. Salivary pooling in mouth floor

  18. Voice changes (nasal tone)

  19. Mouth opening reduction (trismus)

  20. Sleep breathing issues (if severe) PMCPhysiopedia.

Diagnostic Tests

  1. Clinical exam of tongue mobility

  2. Palpation for fibrotic bands

  3. Ultrasound to detect tissue stiffness

  4. MRI for soft‑tissue characterization RadiopaediaNCBI

  5. Elastography (ultrasound‑based stiffness mapping)

  6. Electromyography (EMG) for muscle activity

  7. Nerve conduction studies (if neuropathy suspected)

  8. Oral biopsy with histopathology PMC

  9. Masson’s trichrome stain for collagen on biopsy PMC

  10. Blood tests for autoimmune markers (ANA, Scl‑70)

  11. Muscle enzymes (CK, LDH)

  12. Serum inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP)

  13. Genetic testing (if congenital myofibrosis)

  14. Sialometry for saliva flow

  15. Swallow study (barium videofluoroscopy)

  16. Speech analysis (acoustic measures)

  17. Surface electromyography

  18. 3D motion capture of tongue movement

  19. CT scan (to evaluate skeletal changes)

  20. Psychological assessment (impact on quality of life).

Non‑Pharmacological Treatments

  1. Tongue stretching exercises

  2. Myofascial release massage

  3. Heat therapy to soften scar tissue

  4. Cold therapy to reduce discomfort

  5. Ultrasound therapy to promote tissue remodeling

  6. Low‑level laser therapy

  7. Electrical stimulation (NMES)

  8. Biofeedback‑guided tongue drills

  9. Manual scar mobilization

  10. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

  11. Acupuncture

  12. Speech therapy for articulation

  13. Swallow rehabilitation exercises

  14. Ergonomic oral appliances

  15. Orthodontic interventions (to remove irritation)

  16. Dietary modifications (softer foods)

  17. Hydration & saliva substitutes

  18. Therapeutic ultrasound‑guided needle release

  19. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy

  20. Psychological support (stress reduction)

  21. Yoga and relaxation techniques

  22. CMF vibration therapy

  23. Compressed air massage

  24. Manual lymphatic drainage

  25. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation

  26. Cryo‑injections (liquid nitrogen spray)

  27. Cold plasma treatment

  28. Dental splints

  29. Night‑time oral guards

  30. Home‑based self‑mobilization protocols PhysiopediaPMC.

Drugs

  1. Corticosteroids (intralesional) – reduce inflammation

  2. Pentoxifylline – improves microcirculation WikipediaBioMed Central

  3. Colchicine – antifibrotic effects PMC

  4. Interferon‑γ – alters collagen synthesis Wikipedia

  5. Hyaluronidase (injection) – breaks down hyaluronic acid

  6. Lycopene – antioxidant for oral fibrosis BioMed Central

  7. Curcumin – anti‑inflammatory, antifibrotic ScienceDirect

  8. Vitamin A & E supplements

  9. Pentoxifylline + vitamin E combination

  10. Tranilast – mast cell stabilizer

  11. ACE inhibitors (e.g., enalapril) – modulate TGF‑β

  12. Losartan – angiotensin receptor blocker (antifibrotic)

  13. Pirfenidone – approved for lung fibrosis (off‑label)

  14. Nintedanib – tyrosine kinase inhibitor (off‑label)

  15. Metformin – reduces TGF‑β signaling

  16. Imatinib – PDGFR inhibition

  17. Halofuginone – collagen synthesis inhibitor

  18. Mycophenolate mofetil – immunosuppressant

  19. Methotrexate – low‑dose immunomodulation

  20. Colestyramine – binds profibrotic bile acids ScienceDirectPhysiological Reports.

Surgeries

  1. Scar excision of fibrotic bands

  2. Z‑plasty to lengthen scarred tissue Wikipedia

  3. Mucosal grafting (tongue or buccal mucosa)

  4. Laser scar release (CO₂ laser)

  5. Cryosurgical release of bands

  6. Micro‑surgical fascial release

  7. Genioglossus advancement (for airway)

  8. Free flap reconstruction (severe defects)

  9. Allograft acellular matrix placement

  10. Tongue reduction surgery (if hypertrophic) WikipediaPMC.

Prevention Measures

  1. Avoid betel nut/tobacco chewing

  2. Protect tongue from trauma (bite guards)

  3. Maintain good oral hygiene

  4. Regular tongue stretching (after surgery)

  5. Hydration to keep mucosa healthy

  6. Manage systemic diseases (e.g., scleroderma)

  7. Moderate alcohol intake

  8. Nutritional support (vitamins A, C, E)

  9. Early speech/physiotherapy referral

  10. Sun protection (UV exposure can worsen scarring) WikipediaWikipedia.

When to See a Doctor

  • Persistent stiffness limiting speech or swallowing

  • Pain that does not improve with home care

  • Visible fibrotic bands under tongue mucosa

  • Weight loss due to chewing/swallowing difficulty

  • Speech changes impacting daily life

  • New onset sensory loss or numbness

  • Signs of infection (redness, fever)

  • Rapid progression of scar formation

  • Breathing difficulties at night

  • Suspected malignancy in scarred areas PMCWikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What causes tongue fibrosis?
    Excess collagen deposition after injury, surgery, radiation, or systemic disease BioMed CentralWikipedia.

  2. Can fibrosis of the tongue be reversed?
    Early fibrosis may improve with therapy; long‑standing scar is often permanent but can be softened by laser or injections WikipediaPMC.

  3. Is tongue fibrosis painful?
    It can cause burning or aching pain, especially when moving the tongue PMCPhysiopedia.

  4. How is fibrosis diagnosed?
    By clinical exam, imaging (ultrasound, MRI), and biopsy with histology RadiopaediaPMC.

  5. Can I exercise my tongue safely?
    Yes—gentle stretching under guidance can help maintain flexibility PhysiopediaPMC.

  6. Are injections helpful?
    Hyaluronidase, corticosteroids, and interferon‑γ injections can reduce scarring WikipediaBioMed Central.

  7. What oral habits worsen fibrosis?
    Chewing betel nut, smoking, or alcohol can exacerbate scar formation WikipediaPhysiopedia.

  8. Is surgery always needed?
    No—many cases respond to non‑surgical therapies; surgery is for severe, function‑limiting scarring WikipediaPMC.

  9. Can fibrosis affect taste?
    Yes—scar tissue can alter taste bud function, leading to changes in taste perception PMCWikipedia.

  10. Will fibrosis come back after treatment?
    Recurrence is possible if underlying causes (e.g., autoimmune disease) are not addressed WikipediaBioMed Central.

  11. Are there natural remedies?
    Antioxidants like curcumin and lycopene may help, but evidence is limited BioMed CentralScienceDirect.

  12. Can children get this?
    Rarely—when congenital or after pediatric tongue surgery or burns PMCBioMed Central.

  13. How long does recovery take?
    Varies—weeks to months with therapy; surgical recovery may take 4–6 weeks WikipediaPMC.

  14. Is tongue fibrosis dangerous?
    It is benign but can severely impact nutrition, speech, and quality of life PMCPubMed.

  15. Where can I get help?
    Consult an ENT specialist, speech therapist, or oral surgeon for a tailored treatment plan.

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, treatment plan, life style, food habit, hormonal condition, immune system, chronic disease condition, geological location, weather and previous medical  history is also unique. So always seek the best advice from a qualified medical professional or health care provider before trying any treatments to ensure to find out the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. Regular check-ups and awareness can help to manage and prevent complications associated with these diseases conditions. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this website or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. We always try to ensure that the content is regularly updated to reflect the latest medical research and treatment options. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

The article is written by Team Rxharun and reviewed by the Rx Editorial Board Members

Last Updated: April 22, 2025.

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A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Superior Longitudinal Muscle Fibrosis

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

Ask a health question safely

Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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