One is a symptom of the other
Have you ever lost your voice? Well, you're not alone. Many of have lost our voices after our vocal cords were strained beyond limits, either as a result of illness or for shouting a bit too loud for too long. But vocal cords are not just used to speak. They also play an important role in both breathing and swallowing. If one or both vocal folds become paralyzed, this can result in a serious issue.
In this gallery, we dig into vocal cord paralysis. From causes to symptoms and treatment, click on to find out more.
Vocal cords consist of two bands of muscles located inside the larynx. They play a vital role in breathing, preventing food and drink from entering the windpipe, and in making sound (i.e. talking).
Vocal cord paralysis, also known as vocal fold paralysis, occurs when one or both vocal cords don’t move as expected. This means that they don’t open or close as they should.
There are two main types of vocal cord paralysis. Unilateral vocal cord paralysis occurs when one vocal cord is paralyzed. In which case, mostly breathing and swallowing are affected.
Consequences can become more serious when both vocal cords are paralyzed. Because the cords usually swell very close together, the narrowed airway can cause serious difficulties in breathing.
Unilateral vocal cord paralysis is the most common type of vocal cord paralysis. It can affect virtually anyone.
It depends on the severity of the case. It may manifest through more subtle symptoms, but it can also be potentially life-threatening. This is especially true when it affects swallowing and breathing.
Symptoms vary depending on both the level of paralysis and the position of the vocal cords in relation to one another.
Symptoms that the vocal cords may under strain include a hoarse, scratchy, weak, or breathy voice.
Other symptoms include changes in vocal pitch and volume. Does your voice sound higher or lower than normal? Softer or louder?
Loss of voice and shortness of breath (dyspnea) are also symptoms to look out for. So is noisy breathing (e.g. wheezing).
Further symptoms of vocal cord paralysis may include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), choking while trying to swallow, and inability to clear the throat when coughing.
In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, some people also experience fatigue, a constant feeling of having mucus in the throat, as well as the sensation of choking if food or drink falls into the windpipe.
Speaking is possible with vocal cord paralysis, but it may require more effort than normal.
There are a number of conditions that can damage the nerves that control the movement of vocal cords, including trauma induced by injury (i.e. neck, head, or chest).
Autoimmune diseases can also cause such paralysis. Namely, those that interfere with the communication between nerves and muscles, such as myasthenia gravis (MG).
Inflammation triggered by infections can also damage vocal cords. These can range from herpes to Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and even COVID-19, to name a few.
Neurological diseases, which can lead to the deterioration and damage of nerves, can also contribute to vocal cord paralysis. Examples include Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and stroke.
Toxins can be harmful for nerve tissue. These may include poisonous substances such as arsenic, mercury, and lead.
Some surgeries can lead to complications and increase the risk of nerve damage to the vocal cords. The use of a breathing tube alone can cause damage.
Tumors, both malign (cancerous) and benign, can mess up the vocal cords' nerves. Thyroid cancer and nodules can be particularly harmful.
Vocal cord paralysis can happen following a simple cold. This is called a post viral or idiopathic paralysis.
A CT scan or MRI may be prescribed in order to detect any changes of the vocal cords. Most notably, any growths that may be damaging nerves.
This test involves inserting a tube with a camera called a laryngoscope through the nose to analyze the voice box and vocal cords directly.
This exam is similar (and sometimes performed together) to a laryngoscopy. It analyzes how the vocal cords vibrate.
This test evaluates the nerve impulses and how they control the muscles in the voice box.
Vocal cord paralysis may also be caused by an infection or an autoimmune disease, so sometimes blood tests are prescribed.
Unilateral vocal cord paralysis is usually treated more conservatively than bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Sometimes a filler is injected to close the gap between the vocal cords.
In some cases, a voice box implant is required. These, usually made of silicon, hold the paralyzed vocal cord in the right place. Medialization laryngoplasty (thyroplasty) is a common procedure.
Nerve surgery is sometimes performed in the neck. A nerve is removed from another area and reattached to the vocal cords.
People with bilateral vocal cord paralysis may have to undergo a tracheostomy if breathing becomes too difficult.
Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Mayo Clinic)
Vocal cord paralysis: what happens when you lose control of your vocal folds
From symptoms to treatment
HEALTH Throat
Have you ever lost your voice? Well, you're not alone. Many of have lost our voices after our vocal cords were strained beyond limits, either as a result of illness or for shouting a bit too loud for too long. But vocal cords are not just used to speak. They also play an important role in both breathing and swallowing. If one or both vocal folds become paralyzed, this can result in a serious issue.
In this gallery, we dig into vocal cord paralysis. From causes to symptoms and treatment, click on to find out more.