Conveniently located to serve San Diego
At ENT Associates of San Diego, vocal cord paralysis is treated by our board-certified otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors). This condition can significantly impact speech, breathing, and swallowing, making expert care essential for restoring vocal function and improving quality of life.
What Is Vocal Cord Paralysis?
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, protect your airway by preventing food, drink, and saliva from entering your windpipe and causing you to choke. Vocal cord paralysis results from an interruption of the nerve impulses to your larynx (voice box). This causes paralysis of the vocal cord muscles and affects your ability to speak.
Symptoms of Vocal Cord Paralysis
The symptoms of vocal cord paralysis can vary based on whether one or both folds are affected. Common symptoms include:
- A breathy or weak voice
- Hoarseness or voice loss
- Choking or coughing when swallowing
- Frequent throat clearing
- Shortness of breath, especially with exertion
- Inability to speak loudly or project the voice
If both vocal cords are paralyzed, it can cause significant breathing difficulties, sometimes requiring immediate medical attention.
Causes of Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal fold paralysis can be caused by nerve damage during surgery, neurological disorders, viral infections, and certain cancers. Stroke-related nerve damage, tumors in the brain, neck, or lungs, and traumatic injuries to the chest or neck can also lead to this condition. In some cases, the culprit can be a respiratory infection or autoimmune disease.
Diagnosing Vocal Cord Paralysis
At ENT Associates of San Diego, your diagnosis will begin with a thorough evaluation. We’ll review your symptoms and medical history before performing laryngoscopy, a procedure that allows direct visualization of the vocal cords. Additional diagnostic tests, such as electromyography (EMG) or imaging scans (CT or MRI), may be used to assess nerve function and detect underlying causes.
Treatment Options
The best vocal cord paralysis treatment will be determined based on patient need. Non-surgical treatments, such as voice therapy, may help strengthen the vocal muscles and improve breathing and swallowing. Medications can also be prescribed to reduce nerve inflammation or address underlying causes like acid reflux. Mild cases sometimes resolve on their own with time and therapy.
For more severe instances, surgical treatment for vocal paralysis might be necessary. Injection laryngoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure in which a filler is injected into the vocal cord to enhance closure and voice strength. Thyroplasty repositions the vocal cord for improved vocal function, while reinnervation surgery restores nerve function by connecting a healthy nerve to the damaged vocal cord nerve.
Contact Us For Assistance
If you’re experiencing vocal cord paralysis in San Diego, our team is here to help. Contact ENT Associates of San Diego today to schedule your first appointment in La Mesa, Chula Vista, or Escondido!
