Re: Vocal cord paralysis

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Posted by ccf neuro M.D. on May 30, 1997 at 14:46:30:

In Reply to: Vocal cord paralysis posted by Eric Scribner on May 23, 1997 at 06:03:35:

: I have a friend of mine who is a singer and has been diagnosed with a paralyzed vocal cord. I dont know the exact diagnosis but thats what his doctor said. He has recieved many different opinions on his condition and has even gone to a holistic doctor,If you could please respond it would be greatly appreciated.

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Vocal cord paralysis can result from disruption of the nerve fibers that supply the muscles that move the muscles that control two pieces of cartilage that pivot, such that the cords ope and close. Two major nerves, the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the superior laryngeal nerve, contain these fibers. Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve typically produces a complete paralysis of the affected vocal cord, whereas damage to the superior laryngeal nerve produces some hoarseness and malalignment of the voice box (larynx) but usually not complete paralysis of the cord. More rarely, strokes or tumors etc. in the brainstem that affect the nerve cell bodies from which the fibers that form these nerves begin can produce similar symptoms, although typically many other symtpoms would also be present. I cannot comment on what might be a possible cause in your friend's case with the limited information you have provided, but I hope this helps you understand what the problem is. If your friend would be interested in another opinion here at the Cleveland Clinic, our phone number is 1-800-223-2273. I would suggest seeing both an ENT (otolaryngology) doctor and a neurologist to investigate this particular complaint. The information provided in this response is intended for general medical information purposes only. Treatment decisions, options, and discussion of individual cases should be with your own physician.

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