[Treatment of unilateral vocal cord paralysis]

Duodecim. 2010;126(15):1775-83.
[Article in Finnish]

Abstract

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis refers to the immobility or limitation of mobility of a vocal cord due to neural injury. Neural injury is most commonly caused by surgical trauma or a malignant tumor. Hoarseness with various degrees is the main symptom. The typical finding is a vocal cord remaining in a laterally immobile position on the side of injury in mirror examination, when the patient is asked to produce a voice. Establishing the etiology of the paralysis often requires imaging studies in order to exclude a tumor. Treatment consists of voice therapy and, in severe cases, voice surgery.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Diagnostic Imaging
  • Humans
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / diagnosis
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / etiology
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / physiopathology
  • Vocal Cord Paralysis / therapy*
  • Voice Quality
  • Voice Training