Vocal Fold Paralysis

Vocal Fold Paralysis

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is vocal fold paralysis?

    Your vocal folds — also called vocal cords — are two flexible bands of muscle tissue that sit at the entrance to the windpipe (trachea). Vocal fold paralysis is when one or both of the vocal folds in a person’s body stop working. 

    One or both vocal folds can be paralyzed. When one vocal fold is paralyzed (unilateral vocal cord paralysis), voice and sometimes swallowing are impaired. When both vocal folds are paralyzed (bilateral vocal cord paralysis), the airway and breathing are severely compromised. 

    Vocal fold paralysis is also referred to as vocal cord paresis (pear-ree-sis). 

    What causes vocal fold paralysis?

    In many cases, the cause of vocal fold paralysis is unknown. But in some cases, the cause can be:

    • Viral infection (such as Lyme disease)
    • An injury to the head, neck or chest
    • Tumors of the skull base, neck or chest
    • Certain neurologic conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease or stroke
    • Lung or thyroid cancer

    Appointment Information

    Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-936-8051.

    Vocal Health Center

    At the Vocal Health Center, we’ve been helping people just like you since 1996. Today, we are recognized as a top center for vocal health.

    Learn about the Vocal Health Center

    What are the symptoms of vocal fold paralysis?

    Typical symptoms include:

    • Changes in the voice, such as hoarseness or a loss of volume or pitch
    • Difficulties with breathing, such as shortness of breath or noisy breathing
    • Swallowing problems such as choking or coughing when you eat or drink 

    How is vocal fold paralysis diagnosed?

    At the Vocal Health Center, we will:

    • Take a complete history of your voice problem 
    • Evaluate your speaking method
    • Examine your vocal cords 

    How is vocal fold paralysis treated?

    For voice fold paralysis, we offer voice therapy. If voice therapy does not correct the problem, or the condition is serious, we offer a surgical option:

    • Phonosurgery — This operation repositions and/or reshapes the vocal folds to improve the voice. Depending upon the nature and extent of the problem, we use either an endoscope (an instrument that is introduced into the body to give a view of the internal parts) or an open surgery. In either case, the patient should be able to go home the same day. 

    Locations
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Vocal Health Center | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 1 Reception A
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5312       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Norman Dertad Hogikyan, MD

    Norman Dertad Hogikyan, MD, F.A.C.S.

    Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Robbi Ann Kupfer, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Robert James Morrison, MD

    Robert James Morrison, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Juan Diego San Juan, MD

    Juan Diego San Juan, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Otolaryngology

    News & Stories
    drawing of inside ear canal
    Health Lab

    Human ability to focus on specific sounds not found to originate in auditory nerve, brainstem

    Michigan Medicine research illuminates the mechanisms through which humans can pick out and focus on single sounds in noisy environments.
         pink baby in floating cell with colorful brain purple spotted background
    Health Lab

    Uncovering the link between a common congenital viral infection and autism

    Children who contracted a viral infection known as congenital cytomegalovirus in utero may be nearly two and half times more likely to be diagnosed with autism, a study suggests.
         sleeping kids purple teal orange pink
    Health Lab

    Sleep apnea disparities in kids: Obesity may override impact of race, socioeconomics

    As researchers explored potential reasons behind racial disparities in treatment outcomes for children with severe sleep apnea, they were expecting to find the answer in socioeconomic factors. But they were surprised to learn that when one risk factor – obesity – was taken out of the equation, race was no longer associated with worse post-surgery outcomes for obstructive sleep apnea.
         ears pattern on teal background
    Health Lab

    Study shows promising treatment for tinnitus

    Tinnitus, the ringing, buzzing or hissing sound of silence, impacts 15% of adults in the United States have tinnitus. A recent study from researchers at the University of Michigan’s Kresge Hearing Research Institute suggests relief may be possible with treatment.
         Ear watercolor showing a sound wave
    Health Lab

    Should you get an over-the-counter hearing aid or see a hearing specialist?

    Audiology expert provides insights on the new FDA regulation.
         ear listening with orange background and black silhouette
    Health Lab

    How to prevent hearing damage

    An audiologist’s advice on how best to avoid preventable hearing loss.