Vocal Cord Paralysis (2)

Question 1

What are the 2 nerves that control the vocal cords?

What are the causes?

How can it present?

Answer 1

➊ • Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve – Controls muscles for breathing, speaking, coughing, and swallowing
• Superior Laryngeal Nerve – Controls pitch (cricothyroid)

➋ • Idiopathic
• Trauma during surgery
• Tumour
• Stroke
• Infection i.e. Laryngitis

➌ • Voice changes – Hoarseness, Weak, Gurgling quality
• Airway problems – SOB after speaking, Noisy breathing
• Swallowing problems – Choking or coughing when eating