Vocal Cord Paralysis Diagnosis
Vocal Cord Paralysis Diagnosis
There are four types of vocal cord paralysis including: unilateral adductor paralysis, bilateral adductor paralysis, unilateral abductor paralysis, and bilateral abductor paralysis.
Diagnosis:
The most common type of vocal cord paralysis is unilateral adductor paralysis which involves one vocal cord functioning normally while the other remains in a retracted position. This generally causes the patient to sound breathy or to lose their ability to phonate completely.
Bilateral adductor paralysis occurs when both vocal cords are paralyzed in a retracted position. This disorder results in complete loss of the voice.
When a patient is diagnosed with unilateral abductor paralysis, one vocal cord functions normally while the other remains in a central, adducted position. This disorder surprisingly has little effect on phonation, but surgery is occasionally necessary in order to clear the patient’s airway.
Finally, bilateral abductor paralysis involves both vocal cords remaining in the central, adducted position. This is the most serious paralysis disorder of the vocal cords because the airway of the patient is completely blocked. Emergency medical assistance is typically necessary.
Each one of these disorders is diagnosed by their various symptoms and confirmed with an endoscopy of the throat by a physician.
