Vocal Cord Paralysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
April is Vocal Cord Awareness Month, a time dedicated to spotlighting the importance of vocal health and the conditions that can impact it — such as vocal cord paralysis.
What Is Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Vocal cord paralysis happens when one or both vocal cords can’t move properly due to loss of nerve supply. Your vocal cords (also known as vocal folds) are small bands of tissue located in your larynx (voice box) that vibrate to produce sound. When the nerve supplying the muscles in your vocal folds is weak or fully paralyzed, your voice can become weak, breathy, hoarse — or even disappear entirely. It can also cause serious issues with swallowing and breathing.
Causes of Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal cord paralysis can be caused by several factors, including:
Nerve injury from surgeries (especially thyroid, neck, or chest surgeries)
Viral infections that affect nerves
Tumors pressing on the vocal cord nerves
Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or stroke
Idiopathic causes (unknown cause)
Symptoms to Watch For
Symptoms include:
A breathy, weak voice
Difficulty projecting your voice or speaking loudly
Shortness of breath, especially during speaking
Frequent choking or coughing when eating or drinking
Difficulty clearing mucous from your throat
If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to consult an ENT specialist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) who can assess your vocal cord function.
Treatment Options
The good news? Vocal cord paralysis is often treatable. Depending on the cause and severity, treatment may include:
Voice therapy: Like physical therapy for your voice, this coordinate vocal muscles and improve breath support.
Surgery: Procedures like vocal cord injection or medialization thyroplasty can help reposition or bulk up the affected cord.
Lifestyle adjustments: Avoiding strain, quitting smoking, and staying hydrated can also ease symptoms.
Why Vocal Health Matters
Our voices are more than just sound — they are how we connect, express, and define ourselves. Vocal Cord Awareness Month encourages us all to listen to our bodies, recognize symptoms early, and prioritize voice care.
Whether you're a teacher, singer, parent, or public speaker, your voice deserves attention. Regular checkups and vocal rest can go a long way in preventing injury and ensuring a healthy, strong voice for life.
This April, let’s raise awareness and protect the voices that connect us all.
If you or someone you know is experiencing changes in their voice, don’t wait — early diagnosis can make all the difference.
