Vocal Cord Paralysis - what could be the causes & how to deal with them?

Vocal cord paralysis also known as the vocal cord paresis is the inability of one or both vocal cords to move. It can greatly impact the daily life of the sufferer, including, job, social interactions and leisure time activities.  

The condition is caused by damage to nerves going to the vocal cords-the nerve impulses in the larynx are interrupted, resulting in the paralysis of the vocal cord muscles.  

Patients with vocal paralysis typically experience hoarseness, vocal fatigue, mild to a severe reduction in speech volume, a pain in the throat when speaking, and swallowing things down the wrong way and choking. 

 Signs and symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include:

Changes to the voice

Hoarseness

Noisy Breathing

Changes to vocal pitch

Coughs that do not clear the throat properly

Voice volume may be affected 

Treatment for vocal cord paralysis 

The treatment for vocal cord paralysis depends on several factors, including what caused it, how severe symptoms are, and how ling they have been present.  

Voice therapy:

Equivalent to physical therapy for large muscle paralysis, this therapy incorporate some specific exercises and some other activities to strengthen their vocal cords. You might also learn how to use your voice in a different way, like, by speaking more slowly or opening your mouth wider when you speak.

 Surgery:

If the patient does not recover totally with the voice therapy, the doctor may recommend a vocal cord surgery. 

If you notice any unexplained voice changes or discomfort, you can consult Diana Yampolsky at The Royans Institute for Non-Surgical Voice Repair. One of the world’s foremost specialists, she works with a wide spectrum of clientèle as a Voice Coach, Consultant, and Non-Surgical Voice Repair Specialist.