During surgery on the parotid gland, while dissecting around the tail of the parotid in the neck, the proximal hypoglossal nerve is injured. The injury is identified and a microscopic nerve repair performed. For months though, while the nerve is regenerating, the patient demonstrates difficulty with speech and the handling of food and drink boluses by the tongue. While they are able to chew and drink using primarily the opposite side of the tongue, they are experiencing frequent choking episodes.