Definition
Vocal cord paralysis is a serious disorder, as it can affect language, breathing and swallowing. In most cases, it is the result of an injury that damages the innervation of the vocal cords. Then there are conditions in which the nerves are not damaged, but they are affected by inflammation. The paralysis of the vocal cords, therefore, can be caused by neuritis or by trauma or injury to the neck or chest. Other triggering factors include the compression exerted by external masses (as in the case of enlargement of the thyroid) and the presence of tumor neoformations of the same vocal cords or cranial base, of the thyroid, esophagus, lung and other structures present in the mediastinum .
Paralysis of the vocal cords may result from vascular pathologies (eg aortic aneurysm and mitral stenosis) or from infectious diseases (eg diphtheria, Lyme disease etc.); furthermore, it may represent a complication of tracheal intubation or thyroid and cervical surgery. Other possible causes include intoxication with neurotoxic agents (chronic exposure to heavy metals such as lead, arsenic and mercury), demyelinating disorders and neuromuscular diseases. Finally, there are idiopathic forms (whose causes are unknown).
Possible Causes * of Paralysis of the Vocal Cords
- Aortic aneurysm
- Diphtheria
- Goiter
- Stroke
- Lyme disease
- Pleural mesothelioma
- Parkinson's disease
- Thyroid nodules
- Anger
- Multiple sclerosis
- Syringomyelia
- Lung cancer
- Esophagus tumor
- Thyroid tumor
- Laryngeal tumors
