r

About us

Aesthetic

Medicine

Social media

t i i f y l

Search

Paralysis of the vocal cords

Loss of the ability to move one or both vocal cords

Medicine > ENT - voice > Disorders > Paralysis of the vocal cords

Pick a service ↓

Medicine > ENT - voice > Disorders > Paralysis of the vocal cords

VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS: LOSS OF THE ABILITY TO MOVE ONE OR BOTH VOCAL CORDS

Vocal cord paralysis is a condition in which one or both vocal cords lose the ability to move. This can happen due to a throat or neck injury, certain surgical procedures, or sometimes, due to a virus.

Paresis of the vocal cords is partial paralysis and can have similar symptoms.

SEARCHING FOR CAUSES: FROM VIRUSES TO INJURIES

Nerve damage often occurs without a clear cause, but is often associated with infections or inflammation of the airways.

Viral causes are considered possible factors. This damage usually has a favorable prognosis, with a high degree of probability of spontaneous recovery, often without the need for special treatment.

During the examination, it is noticed that during the attempt to create a voice, one vocal cord moves normally, while the other remains motionless or shows limited movements. A healthy vocal cord often “compensates” for the weakness of the other party by trying to further shift its position towards the affected side in order to establish the function of the vocal cords.

Despite this, nerve damage often occurs as a result of medical procedures, especially surgical interventions in the neck or chest. In such operations, the nerve can be injured near the place where it enters the larynx, which does not necessarily result in a complete break, but pressure, stretching or compression can disrupt its function.

SYMPTOMS OF VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS

The symptoms of paralysis and paresis of the vocal cords can vary, depending on the position of the vocal cords when at rest and the degree of compensation. Symptoms may include a weak voice accompanied by audible squeezing of air, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing liquids, solid foods and tablets, voice fatigue and reduced endurance of the vocal cords. This can have a significant impact on quality of life.

CAN THE VOCAL CORDS RECOVER?

Even when the nerve is severed, there is a possibility of its recovery, which makes it possible to return the voice to the patient. However, this process usually requires several months, and the prognosis can be uncertain.

In addition to voice problems, patients with a vocal cord that moves poorly often experience difficulty swallowing, especially when consuming liquids. The vocal cords form an important part of the protective mechanism that protects the airways from possible ingress of food or liquids.

During swallowing, the vocal cords reflexively contract strongly to close the airways.

TREATMENT OF VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS

Treatment of paralysis and paresis of the vocal cords depends on a multitude of factors such as:

  • degree of loss of voice,
  • voice requests,
  • the presence of aspiration,
  • symptoms of shortness of breath and
  • difficulty swallowing.

There is a possibility for recovery of vocal cord movements, and treatment options are planned according to the prognosis for recovery, symptoms and individual needs.

In some cases, laryngeal electromyography should be performed, as it can provide additional prognostic information.

Other treatment options are observation and monitoring, vocal therapy, and vocal cord augmentation and medialization procedures.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR AN EXAMINATION

At the Lohuis Filipović Polyclinic , we are aware of how important your voice is for everyday interaction with others. That is why we apply modern technology and methods that bring your vocal cords back into shape.

Therefore, do not wait for the hoarseness to disappear naturally, but make an appointment today by calling +3851 2444 646, or by filling out the online form.

Your experts

The main goal of LF Polyclinic is to improve the quality of life and health of our clients by providing them with top-notch healthcare services.

See more

Doc.dr.sc. Boris Filipović, dr.med.

otolaryngologist, subspecialist in head and neck plastic surgery, FEBORL-HNS, IBCFPRS

See more

What do our patients say about us?

Learn more
←
→

J.Lj.

s s s s s
I did rhinoplasty along with face tight treatment and the results were more than satisfactory. The guys (Boris and Peter) did everything at the same time, very professionally and in the shortest possible timeframe. I was out of tampons in 2 days, and my bruise recovery does not take longer than 7 days. Very gentle approach. Without unnecessary arrivals, with kind and friendly staff and arranging payments where flexibility was at an enviable level, the impression of service in this clinic is for every recommendation. Of course, I don’t even have to mention that my breathing is better now than before, and my facial skin is smooth and tight without any invasive method. Guys, you are the best. :)

A.P.

s s s s s
I had unwittingly been suffering from hypopnea for nearly a decade. I did some research and I selected this clinic because it was located in a country where I have many friends. I had already been treated for this by a different physician in Canada, a surgery was done in my nose to remove an obstruction and believed it was better, but I was wrong. The Canadian doctor proposed dealing with the problem by CPAP or further surgeries. Their solution was to remove the first obstacle they find, see if that helps, if not, then remove the next obstacle etc. I had been using caffeine to stay awake, but my physical and mental performance was severely impacted by chronic sleep deprivation. At my first meeting, I was surprised to actually meet Dr. Filipovic, I presumed I would be looked after by an associate Doctor. I explained my suspicions and situation and told him, I do not want to go through multiple procedures to find one that worked. He listened, looked into my nose and proposed that I schedule and undergo a general anaesthesia, where he would be able to insert a camera and record what happens when I actually sleep. In addition I took home a wearable monitor for the night. After these diagnotics, it was found that a mandibular advancement device or CPAP would work for me. CPAP is not good for me because my young children would tear it apart. I had to leave Croatia earlier than planned, when I told his team. They moved heaven and earth to rush the casting, production and shipping of the device to me in Canada. Once I arrived here, his dentist responded to my emails to ensure I had proper guidance on how to adjust and use the device. It works wonderfully and with the clarity of thought that comes from regular sleep, I realized I should have a backup mandibular advancement device made, to use if my device is destroyed by my children. His team again did a wonderful job of using the casting I sent back to produce a 2nd set and ship it to Canada. I have tested the second device for a week now and it works as well as the first. I would highly recommend this team for their professional, courteous and effective effort. If, time & money allows and vanity demands, I would go to this team for a rhinoplasty in the future. Thank you all for improving my quality of life and work performance.

M.K.

s s s s s
For so long I was dissatisfied with the breathing and the appearance of my nose. Of course the first step was to google rhinoplasty and read comments on forums of the people who did it in Croatia. That did not help because the amount of negative experiences only scared me. But I also read that the most important thing is to find a great surgeon so I finally went to meet with dr. Filipović. I met him, he explained the procedure and answered all my questions. On that first meeting I felt so confident that I even reserved a date for my surgery. Finally in November 2020 I had septorhinoplasty performed by dr. Filipović. They arranged that I stayed in the clinic for one day after the procedure. That really meant a lot, and I'm grateful for that. Recovery went fast and well, I almost had no bruising at all. I'm quite sensitive, so I felt some pain in the first 3 days after, but nothing too bad. It is now 2 months post-op and I look and feel better than ever. The result looks really natural, and it fits my face perfectly. The only regret that I have is that I didn’t do it sooner. Dr. Filipović is a miracle worker, and I will forever be grateful to him and his team.

M.G.

s s s s s
I've done plasma skin regeneration and skin boosting treatment there. Clinic is beautiful, stuff is very friendly, young and with great knowledge and experience. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking high quality in every aspect. Thank you!

M.S.

s s s s s
A month ago, I was on a lip lift with Dr. Filipović. The result is fantastic, as was the experience of consultation and surgery. The doctor and nurses are professional and approachable and inspire confidence. The lip lift turned out great and looks natural, but it's a big enough change that it affected the look of the whole face. The swelling subsided after about a week, and the scar under the nose is visible a month later, but it is not overly conspicuous.
Pročitaj sve
←
→
×