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Laryngeal nerve damage

Vocal cord paralysis

 

Laryngeal nerve damage is injury to one or both of the nerves that are attached to the voice box.

Causes

 

Injury to the laryngeal nerves is uncommon.

When it does occur, it can be from:

  • A complication of neck or chest surgery (especially thyroid, lung, heart surgery, or cervical spine surgery)
  • A breathing tube in the windpipe (endotracheal tube)
  • A viral infection that affects the nerves
  • Tumors in the neck or upper chest, such as thyroid or lung cancer
  • Part of a neurological condition

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms include:

  • Difficulty speaking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Hoarseness

Injury to the left and right laryngeal nerves at the same time can cause a breathing problem. This can be an urgent medical problem.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will check to see how your vocal cords move. Abnormal movement may mean that a laryngeal nerve is injured.

Tests may include:

  • Bronchoscopy
  • CT scan of the chest
  • Laryngoscopy
  • MRI of the brain, neck, and chest
  • X-ray

 

Treatment

 

Treatment depends on the cause of the injury. In some cases, no treatment may be needed and the nerve may recover on its own. Voice therapy is useful in some cases.

If surgery is needed, the goal is to change the position of the paralyzed vocal cord to improve the voice. This can be done with:

  • Arytenoid adduction (stitches to move the vocal cord toward the middle of the airway)
  • Injections of collagen, Gelfoam, or another substance
  • Thyroplasty

If both the left and right nerves are damaged, a hole may need to be cut into the windpipe (tracheotomy) right away to allow breathing. This is followed by another surgery at a later date.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The outlook depends on the cause of the injury. In some cases, the nerve rapidly returns to normal. However, sometimes the damage is permanent.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have:

  • Difficulty breathing (call right away)
  • Unexplained hoarseness that lasts for more than 3 weeks

 

 

References

Sandhu GS, Nouraei SAR. Laryngeal and esophageal trauma. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 67.

Smith PW, Hanks JB. Evaluation of the isolated neck mass. In: Cameron JL, Cameron AM, eds. Current Surgical Therapy . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:718-724.

 
  • Nerves of the larynx - illustration

    Laryngeal nerve damage can be caused by injury, tumors, surgery, or infection. Damage to the nerves of the larynx can cause hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or the loss of voice. Treatment depends on the cause and extent of the laryngeal nerve damage.

    Nerves of the larynx

    illustration

  • Laryngeal nerve damage - illustration

    Damage to the laryngeal nerve can result in loss of voice or obstruction to breathing.

    Laryngeal nerve damage

    illustration

    • Nerves of the larynx - illustration

      Laryngeal nerve damage can be caused by injury, tumors, surgery, or infection. Damage to the nerves of the larynx can cause hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or the loss of voice. Treatment depends on the cause and extent of the laryngeal nerve damage.

      Nerves of the larynx

      illustration

    • Laryngeal nerve damage - illustration

      Damage to the laryngeal nerve can result in loss of voice or obstruction to breathing.

      Laryngeal nerve damage

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Laryngeal nerve damage

           

             

            Review Date: 8/29/2016

            Reviewed By: Tang Ho, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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