black blood vessels under tongue

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

Has anyone ever seen someone with black blood vessels under their tongue? This patient was reciently treated for Parotitis with abx. The sides of her tongue are red...denies pain. Yeah, I know, no medical advice, but I've been doing this for 100 years and have never seen anything like it.

[KatieMI, BSN, MSN, RN]

There are two main big veins running underneath the tongue which take blood from it to "watershed zone" (the lingual muscle proper, extremely well vascularized). These veins are rather big (normally can take 20g cath) and can look dark, almost black, and it is normal. An inflammation in mouth cavity or an exam after drinking something hot or chewing for long time can make them more visible because of hyperemia and edema.

(just if you want to ask who in the world might want to cannulate these, I'd seen it done for thrombophlebitis and Alteplase local infusion. It is rare complication of severe mouth infections, procedures and carotid thrombosis, and a real emergency).

[ktwlpn, LPN]

if you want to ask who in the world might want to cannulate these, I'd seen it done for thrombophlebitis and Alteplase local infusion. It is rare complication of severe mouth infections, procedures and carotid thrombosis, and a real emergency).

YOWZA....Ermagawd! Can't get this out of my head.

[Nurse Leigh]

I read these posts and think how many people have had their tongue pierced or even bifurcated.