Vocal Cord Paralysis | Conditions & Treatments

What Is Vocal Fold Paralysis?

Vocal fold paralysis refers to the reduced movement of one or both vocal folds.

What Causes Vocal Fold Paralysis?

Vocal fold paralysis can be caused by:

Viral infection that affects vocal fold nerves
Injury to a vocal fold nerve during surgery
Injury to a vocal fold nerve when a breathing tube is placed
Stroke
Cancer

What Are the Symptoms of Vocal Fold Paralysis?

Vocal fold paralysis can impact vocal quality, ease of breathing, and ability to swallow foods and liquids safely.

Other common symptoms include:

Hoarseness
Loss of vocal pitch control
Effortful speech
Shortness of breath
Choking or coughing while eating or drinking
Frequent throat clearing

UR Medicine's Treatments for Vocal Fold Paralysis

Our Speech-Language Pathologists, who have specialty training and expertise in voice disorders will first complete a personalized assessment of your voice. Depending on the results of the assessment, voice therapy or surgery may be recommended.

If you are recommended for voice therapy, your therapy program may include some or all of the following techniques:

Strengthen the muscles, joints and ligaments used in voice production
Learn techniques for producing a healthy voice
Eliminating overuse or abuse of voice
Exercise laryngeal muscles
Create a healthy motor pattern
Learn suppression and breathing strategies to minimize coughing or throat clearing

What Sets Us Apart?

UR Medicine Voice Center is the only voice center in Upstate New York with a comprehensive team of voice experts, including ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians who are fellowship-trained in voice disorders. We identify the root of your voice disorder, treat it quickly and effectively, and improve your overall vocal health.

Our speech pathologists have specialized training to evaluate and treat patients with voice, swallowing, and breathing problems and complex conditions such as voice restoration after throat cancer. Our team also includes trained singing voice specialists who are experienced performers, singers, and singing teachers who understand the challenges of being a vocal professional.

Providers

Our team of specialists includes both fellowship-trained ear nose and throat physicians, speech-language pathologists and singing specialists who have specialized training in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and work collaboratively to diagnose and treat voice disorders.

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