Are you experiencing voice changes, difficulty swallowing, or chronic throat clearing? These symptoms may indicate vocal cord paralysis, a condition that affects your ability to speak clearly and comfortably. Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both vocal cords cannot move properly due to nerve damage or other causes, impacting your daily communication and quality of life.
At Kaplan Sinus Relief, Dr. Michael Kaplan brings specialized experience in vocal cord paralysis treatment. Using advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment approaches, Dr. Kaplan helps patients regain their voice and confidence. From voice therapy and minimally invasive procedures to innovative surgical techniques when necessary, our comprehensive care addresses the unique needs of each patient suffering from vocal cord dysfunction.
Don’t let vocal cord paralysis silence your voice any longer — schedule a consultation with Kaplan Sinus Relief today! Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing the highest level of care to help you communicate clearly and comfortably again.
What causes vocal cord paralysis?
Vocal cord paralysis occurs when one or both vocal cords (vocal folds) cannot move properly, usually due to damage to the nerves that control them. In some cases, the cause remains unknown, which is referred to as idiopathic vocal cord paralysis. Otherwise, common causes include:
- Injury during surgery (particularly thyroid, chest, or neck procedures)
- Frequent infections
- Tumors pressing on the nerves
- Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
- Stroke
The severity and symptoms depend on whether the paralysis affects one vocal cord (unilateral) or both (bilateral). Unilateral paralysis typically causes voice changes like hoarseness, breathiness, or decreased volume, while bilateral paralysis is more serious and can lead to breathing difficulties because both vocal cords cannot open properly during inhalation.
Vocal cord paralysis symptoms
Vocal cord paralysis can significantly impact your ability to speak, breathe, and swallow normally. When the nerves controlling your vocal cords become damaged, the vocal cords cannot move properly, often leading to additional sleep and breathing conditions.
Common symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include:
- Hoarseness or breathiness in your voice
- Noticeable changes in voice quality or pitch
- Difficulty projecting your voice or speaking loudly
- Vocal fatigue (voice tiring quickly during conversation)
- Choking or coughing while eating or drinking
- Feeling of food getting stuck in your throat
- Shortness of breath during speech
- Frequent throat clearing
- Difficulty breathing (more common with bilateral paralysis)
- Need to take frequent breaths while speaking
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention from a vocal cord paralysis specialist quickly. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can help prevent complications, so don’t delay in scheduling your consultation at Kaplan Sinus Relief.
Which doctor should you consult for vocal cord paralysis?
For vocal cord paralysis, seeking care from an experienced Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist like Dr. Michael Kaplan is recommended. While some patients may be referred to laryngologists (specialists who focus exclusively on voice disorders), ENT physicians have comprehensive training in voice and vocal cord disorders and can effectively diagnose and treat vocal cord paralysis using advanced diagnostic tools like laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and assess their movement patterns.
With his extensive ENT experience, Dr. Kaplan works to identify the root cause of your condition while focusing on restoring your voice function and improving your quality of life.
How to treat vocal cord paralysis
Is vocal cord paralysis curable? Not always, but many patients experience significant improvement or complete recovery with appropriate treatment. The right treatment approach depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and whether one or both vocal cords are affected, and can include one or a combination of the following.
Voice therapy
Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist is often the first-line treatment for vocal cord paralysis. These specialized therapists can teach you techniques to improve vocal function, breath control, and communication strategies. Voice therapy helps strengthen the muscles around the vocal cords and optimizes the function of the unaffected cord to compensate for the paralyzed one. Many patients see improvement within weeks of consistent therapy.
Medication
In cases where inflammation or certain medical conditions contribute to vocal cord paralysis, medications may be prescribed. Anti-reflux medications can help if acid reflux is irritating the vocal cords, while steroids might be used to reduce inflammation. For paralysis caused by certain neurological conditions, specific medications targeting those disorders may help improve vocal cord function over time.
Balloon sinuplasty
When vocal cord issues stem from chronic or recurrent sinus infections, addressing the underlying sinus problem is vital. Balloon sinuplasty is a minimally invasive procedure offered by Dr. Kaplan that can effectively treat chronic sinusitis. By opening blocked sinus passages, this procedure reduces the frequency and severity of sinus infections that may be affecting vocal cord function. Patients often experience improved breathing and reduced inflammation throughout the upper respiratory system.
Injection laryngoplasty
This office-based procedure involves injecting a substance (such as collagen, fat, or hyaluronic acid) into the affected vocal cord to bulk it up. The injection helps position the paralyzed vocal cord closer to the middle, allowing the functional cord to make better contact during speech. This procedure can dramatically improve voice quality and reduce symptoms like choking during swallowing, often providing immediate results.
Surgical interventions
For persistent vocal cord paralysis, surgical options may be considered. Thyroplasty involves inserting an implant to reposition the paralyzed vocal cord. Arytenoid adduction surgically rotates the cartilage that controls vocal cord position. In some cases, nerve reinnervation procedures may be performed to restore nerve function to the paralyzed cord. Dr. Kaplan will discuss these surgical options if more conservative treatments haven’t provided sufficient relief.
At-home treatments
While professional medical care is essential for vocal cord paralysis, several at-home strategies can complement formal treatment, such as:
- Staying well-hydrated to keep your vocal cords moist
- Using a humidifier to prevent dryness in your home environment
- Rest your voice when it feels strained, but avoid persistent whispering as this can actually strain your vocal cords further
- Practicing the exercises recommended by your speech therapist consistently
- Avoiding irritants like smoking, excessive alcohol, and spicy foods that may trigger reflux
These simple measures, when combined with professional treatment from Dr. Kaplan can help optimize your recovery process.
Take the first step toward vocal recovery with Dr. Kaplan today!
Living with vocal cord paralysis can be frustrating and isolating, affecting everything from your career to your personal relationships. Don’t allow this condition to limit your life any longer. At Kaplan Sinus Relief in Houston, Dr. Michael Kaplan offers comprehensive vocal cord paralysis treatment designed to address your specific symptoms and needs.
Our patient-centered approach combines advanced diagnostic techniques with personalized treatment plans to help you regain your voice and confidence. Schedule a consultation with our experienced team today by calling our Houston office at (713) 766-1818 or using our convenient online booking system. Your journey to clearer communication begins with one simple step — reaching out to Kaplan Sinus Relief.