Causes And Risk Factors Associated With Vocal Cord Paralysis

Vocal cord paralysis, also referred to as vocal fold paralysis, develops when there is a disruption in the nerve signals that normally travel to the larynx (voice box). This disruption causes the muscles within the vocal cords to stop functioning and be paralyzed. Typically, vocal cord paralysis only affects one of the vocal cords; paralysis of both vocal cords is very rare, and it is considered life-threatening. Symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include noisy breathing, loss of vocal pitch or gag reflex, and unproductive coughing. Patients may notice they need to take more breaths than usual while speaking, and they might struggle to speak loudly. Choking or coughing while eating and drinking could occur as well. To diagnose this condition, a specialist will perform a laryngoscopy, and some patients may also need to have a laryngeal electromyography test. These tests can help pinpoint the cause of the paralysis and enable doctors to plan an effective course of treatment.

Some of the most common causes and risk factors for vocal cord paralysis are discussed below.

Chest Or Neck Injury

A chest or neck injury could lead to the paralysis of one or both vocal cords. These injuries could happen during trauma, including car accidents or falls from heights, and they may also occur as an unintended complication of neck or chest surgery. One of the two major nerves that provide input signals to the vocal cords is called the recurrent laryngeal nerve. It controls the muscles that open and close the vocal cords. This nerve is relatively long, and it extends into the chest cavity before detouring back around into the larynx. This detour makes it especially vulnerable to injury during surgery. Some types of neck and chest trauma that could unintentionally injure the recurrent laryngeal nerve include surgery to the heart, lungs, esophagus, carotid artery, thyroid, and cervical spine. In rare cases, the insertion of a breathing tube during surgery for neck and chest injuries could result in vocal cord paralysis.

Get familiar with more causes and risk factors linked to vocal cord paralysis now.