SYDNEY - Kogarah and Miranda
Vocal Cord Palsy
What is Vocal Cord Palsy?
Vocal cord palsy is where one (or both) vocal cords stop working. This can be temporary or permanent.
What Causes Vocal Cord Palsy?
The main causes of vocal cord palsy are:
- Mouth or Neck Surgery
- Intubation (insertion of a breathing tube for surgery or emergency )
- Stroke
- Virus
- Injury to the larynx
- Cardiac surgery
Treatment
Therapy is often the first line of intervention for vocal cord palsy. While we cannot make a nerve regrow or start working again, we can adapt what does work to make the most of your voice and swallowing.
Nerves can recover or regrow in many cases, however sometimes surgery is required to move the vocal cord into a better position until this happens or if it has not recovered after around 12 months. This would be done by an ENT surgeon.