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Vocal cord paralysis
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Vocal cord paralysis

Contributors: Michael W. Winter MD, Paul C. Bryson MD, MBA
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Vocal cord paralysis is a condition characterized by injury to the nerves that innervate the vocal cords. This injury can either be unilateral or bilateral. It can occur as a result of trauma to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which commonly occurs as a complication of surgery or as the result of a neoplastic process. There is also an idiopathic etiology. Less commonly, progressive neurologic disorders such as multisystem atrophy or suprabulbar palsy can result in dysfunction of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and resultant vocal cord paralysis. Certain infections, such as Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and herpes viruses, can manifest with nerve inflammation that can cause either unilateral or bilateral vocal cord paralysis.

In adults, vocal cord paralysis may present as dysphonia, hoarseness, dysphagia, and conversational dyspnea. Infants and children may present with weak cry, stridor, cough, hoarseness, and respiratory insufficiency. Neonates can rarely develop vocal cord paralysis secondary to nerve damage during delivery.

Treatment and prognosis for recovery depend on cause and time from onset as some underlying etiologies can recover spontaneously while others are permanent. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis results in stridor and airway compromise. These patients will often require re-intubation and consideration of a surgical tracheostomy for airway safety.

Codes

ICD10CM:
J38.00 – Paralysis of vocal cords and larynx, unspecified

SNOMEDCT:
302912005 – Vocal cord palsy

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:02/05/2019
Last Updated:10/17/2021
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Vocal cord paralysis
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Vocal cord paralysis : Hoarseness, Dysphagia, Dyspnea, Difficulty speaking, Stridor
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.