Vocal Cord Paralysis

Vocal fold paralysis (also known as vocal cord paralysis) is a voice disorder that occurs when one or both of the vocal folds don't open or close properly. The vocal folds are two elastic bands of muscle tissue located in the larynx (voice box) directly above the trachea (windpipe). When you breathe, your vocal folds remain apart and when you swallow, they are tightly closed. When you use your voice, however, air from the lungs causes your vocal folds to vibrate between open and closed positions.

Disease Statistics:
The incidence was 0.42% or 42 per ten thousand new patients seen. Most patients presented in the 5th and 6th decades (77.2%). Males outnumbered females in the ratio of 3:1. The most common symptom of vocal cord paralysis was hoarseness of voice alone (83.6%).Onset of symptoms was gradual in 60% of cases. Left vocal cord was almost twice more commonly (61.9%) involved than the right one(38.1%)

Treatment:
Voice therapy: Voice therapy sessions involve exercises or other activities to strengthen your vocal cords.
Surgery: Surgical treatments may be offered to improve your ability to speak and to swallow. Surgical options include Bulk injection, Vocal cord repositioning and Tracheotomy.

Research :
An integrated diagnostic and treatment program is necessary for patients with vocal cord paralysis. Possibility of malignancy should be excluded before marking idiopathic reason to vocal cord paralysis.