Extracranial involvement of the hypoglossal nerve and recurrent laryngeal branch of the vagal nerve can be a complication of anaesthetic airway management (Tapia's syndrome) or focal involvement due to Legionella infection. We present a patient with bilateral hypoglossal and unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerves palsy after a complicated intubation and a Legionella infection. Clarithromycin therapy was started. Within months, tongue mobility and swallowing gradually improved. Two months after discharge persisting unilateral recurrent nerve palsy was observed.