What is Vocal Cord Dysfunction?

Discussion Vocal cord function involves balancing muscular and neuronal functions. The superior laryngeal nerves (SLN) and recurrent laryngeal nerves (RLN) are the main nerves responsible for sensation and motor innervation. There are two sides to the larynx and they operate ipsilaterally, therefore one side can be affected while the other is not. Vocal cord paresis or paralysis are “an impairment of the vocal fold motor function that is caused by nerve or neuromuscular abnormalit[ies].” Paresis involves some maintenance of vocal cord movement while paralysis does not. Paresis is also more of a continuum than an absolute movement or not. “Paresis is often considered idiopathic, but potentially any pathology present from skull base to mediastinum that compresses, tethers, stretches, or infiltrates contributing fibers to the SLN or RLN may cause abnormalities.” Common examples in children would be post-viral infections, Lyme disease, neoplasms, and cardiovascular defects and cardiovascular surgery, but many others causes occur. Paralysis is often caused by necessary surgical interventions such as patent ductus arteriosus surgery causing trauma to the RLN as it is a long nerve and traverses multiple body spaces. Symptoms can include cough, choking, globus sensation, voice changes, dyspnea and feeding difficulties among others. The diagnostic standard is direct visualization while awake when the patient may be able to assist in producing various sounds or ...
Source: PediatricEducation.org - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Uncategorized Source Type: news