Vocal Cord Paralysis

Vocal cords are two elastic folds of muscle tissue located in your larynx - or voice box - that have three important functions:

• produce sounds used for communication
• regulate air into your lungs
• protect you from choking

If one or both of the vocal chords do not properly function, your speech and breathing will be affected.

A breathy voice or a voice that tires as the day progresses characterizes unilateral - or single - vocal cord paralysis. Unilateral vocal cord immobility can also lead to choking or coughing because your weakened vocal cord can not fully close the voice box during swallowing and food or water may leak into the lungs. Some patients will recover with voice behavioral modification techniques and voice therapy. Other patients may be helped by surgery. Surgical treatment options include:

• injections into the affected vocal cord
• thryoplasty - an implant to support the weak vocal cord
• arytenoid adduction to move the vocal cord so that the larynx can properly close
• microsurgical reinnervation connects a working nerve to the paralyzed vocal cord

With bilateral - or double - vocal cord paralysis, both vocal cords are in the midline position, making it very difficult to breathe. This disorder can be caused by a previous trauma, surgery, or laryngopharyngeal reflux disease. Treatment is focused on opening the airways, without a tracheotomy), so that you can breath normally. Treatments range from laser surgery, microsurgical reinnervation, or major laryngeal reconstruction.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.