Laryngeal nerve damage
Alternative Names
Vocal cord paralysisSymptoms
The most common symptoms are hoarseness and difficulty speaking. Difficulty swallowing may also occur.
Injury to both the left and right laryngeal nerves is an urgent situation that can lead to difficulty breathing.
Exams and Tests
Laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy allow the doctor to see if the vocal cords move abnormally. Abnormal movement usually means a laryngeal nerve is injured.
An x-ray or CT scan of the chest may be done to detect any problems in the chest that might be responsible for the injury.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.