Vocal Cord Paralysis
Evaluation and treatment of vocal cord paralysis affecting voice, swallowing and breathing.
Overview
Understanding Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both vocal cords are unable to move normally due to injury or dysfunction of the nerve supplying the voice box. It can lead to hoarseness, a weak voice, difficulty swallowing, choking while eating or drinking, and, in some cases, breathing difficulty.
Common causes include thyroid surgery, neck or chest surgery, viral infections, neurological disorders, trauma and, occasionally, no identifiable cause (idiopathic). At Dr. Hans' Voice & Swallowing Centre, patients undergo comprehensive evaluation by a fellowship-trained Laryngologist using advanced Video Stroboscopy, Flexible Laryngoscopy and FEES to determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
- Persistent hoarseness
- Weak or breathy voice
- Difficulty speaking loudly
- Vocal fatigue
- Choking or coughing while swallowing
- Difficulty swallowing liquids
- Shortness of breath (in selected cases)
- Frequent throat clearing
- Thyroid surgery
- Neck or chest surgery
- Viral infections
- Stroke
- Neurological disorders
- Neck or chest trauma
- Tumours affecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve
- Idiopathic (unknown cause)
- Detailed voice and swallowing assessment
- Flexible Video Laryngoscopy
- Video Stroboscopy
- FEES (Swallowing Evaluation)
- Laryngeal EMG (when indicated)
- CT scan or MRI in selected patients
- Observation in selected patients
- Voice therapy
- Injection Laryngoplasty
- Medialization Thyroplasty (Type I Thyroplasty)
- Reinnervation procedures in selected patients
- Swallowing rehabilitation
Our centre provides comprehensive evaluation of vocal cord paralysis using Video Stroboscopy, FEES and advanced laryngeal assessment. We offer the complete range of modern treatments including Injection Laryngoplasty, medialization procedures and specialized voice and swallowing rehabilitation—all under one roof.
When to See a Doctor
- Hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks
- Voice change after thyroid or neck surgery
- Choking while eating or drinking
- Persistent weak or breathy voice
- Difficulty breathing due to vocal cord problems
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Some patients recover spontaneously, particularly when paralysis is caused by viral inflammation or temporary nerve injury. Recovery may take several months.
Injection Laryngoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that improves voice by adding volume to the paralyzed vocal cord, allowing better closure during speech and swallowing.
Not every patient requires surgery. Treatment depends on the cause, severity and expected recovery of the nerve.
Yes. Some patients experience coughing or choking while eating or drinking due to incomplete closure of the airway during swallowing.
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