About Vocal Cord Paralysis

Vocal Cord Paralysis occurs when one or both of the vocal cords (or vocal folds) do not open or close properly. Vocal cord paralysis is a common disorder, and symptoms can range from mild to life threatening. Vocal cord paralysis is a condition that can affect your ability to speak. Your voice can often sound hoarse or breathy. Your doctor may have indicated there is limited chance of spontaneous recovery when the condition is due to vocal cord paralysis.

Symptoms: Include difficulty swallowing and coughing because food or liquids slip into the trachea and lungs. This happens because the paralyzed cord or cords remain open, leaving the airway passage and the lungs unprotected.  Individuals may also experience abnormal voice changes, changes in voice quality, and discomfort from vocal straining.

Cause: May be caused by head trauma, stroke, a neck injury, lung or thyroid cancer, tumors, or a viral infection.  Also associated with certain neurologic conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson's Disease.

Treatments: The most common treatments for vocal cord paralysis are voice therapy and surgery. Because the voice may return without treatment during the first year after damage, the first line of treatment is usually voice therapy involving exercises to strengthen the vocal cords or improve breath control during speech. 

Surgery using VOX Implants involves adding bulk to the paralyzed vocal cord, resulting in reduced space between the vocal cords. This allows the nonparalyzed cord to make contact with the paralyzed cord and improve the voice. Other surgical options include shifting the paralyzed cord closer to the center of the airway and performing a surgical procedure called a tracheotomy, which is the insertion of a breathing tube through the neck into the trachea.

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