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Laryngeal nerve damage is injury to one or both of the nerves that are attached to the voice box.
Alternative NamesVocal cord paralysis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsInjury to the laryngeal nerves is uncommon.
However, it may occur from:
- A complication of neck or chest surgery (especially thyroid, lung, or heart surgery)
- A breathing tube in the windpipe (endotracheal tube)
- Tumors in the neck or upper chest, such as thyroid or lung cancer
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
Injury to the left and right laryngeal nerves at the same time is an urgent situation that can lead to difficulty breathing.
Signs and testsThe doctor will see if the vocal cords move abnormally. Abnormal movement usually means that a laryngeal nerve is injured.
Tests may include:
- Bronchoscopy
- CT scan of the chest
- Laryngoscopy
- X-ray
Treatment depends on the cause of the injury. In some instances, no treatment may be needed and the nerve may recover on its own. Voice therapy is useful in some cases.
If surgery is needed, the goal is to change the position of the paralyzed vocal cord to improve the voice. This can be done with:
- Arytenoid adduction
- Injections of collagen, Gelfoam, or some other substance
- Thyroplasty
If both left and right nerves are damaged, a hole may need to be cut into the windpipe (tracheotomy) immediately to allow breathing. This is followed by another surgery at a later date.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook depends on the cause of the injury. In some cases, the nerve rapidly returns to normal. However, sometimes the damage is permanent.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have:
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained hoarseness that lasts for more than 3 weeks
Laryngeal nerve damage can result in hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and swallowing problems due to vocal cord weakness or paralysis. Causes include surgery, trauma, or underlying medical conditions like thyroid issues. Treatment options depend on the severity of nerve damage and may include voice therapy, surgery, or nerve regeneration techniques.
Laryngeal nerve damage is injury to one or both of the nerves that are attached to the voice box.
Alternative NamesVocal cord paralysis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsInjury to the laryngeal nerves is uncommon.
However, it may occur from:
- A complication of neck or chest surgery (especially thyroid, lung, or heart surgery)
- A breathing tube in the windpipe (endotracheal tube)
- A viral infection that affects the nerves
- Tumors in the neck or upper chest, such as thyroid or lung cancer
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
Injury to the left and right laryngeal nerves at the same time can be an urgent situation that can lead to difficulty breathing.
Signs and testsThe doctor will see if the vocal cords move abnormally. Abnormal movement may mean that a laryngeal nerve is injured.
Tests may include:
- Bronchoscopy
- CT scan of the chest
- Laryngoscopy
- MRI of the brain, neck, and chest
- X-ray
Treatment depends on the cause of the injury. In some instances, no treatment may be needed and the nerve may recover on its own. Voice therapy is useful in some cases.
If surgery is needed, the goal is to change the position of the paralyzed vocal cord to improve the voice. This can be done with:
- Arytenoid adduction (stitches to move the vocal cord toward the middle of the airway)
- Injections of collagen, Gelfoam, or another substance
- Thyroplasty
If both the left and right nerves are damaged, a hole may need to be cut into the windpipe (tracheotomy) right away to allow breathing. This is followed by another surgery at a later date.
Expectations (prognosis)The outlook depends on the cause of the injury. In some cases, the nerve rapidly returns to normal. However, sometimes the damage is permanent.
Calling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you have:
- Difficulty breathing
- Unexplained hoarseness that lasts for more than 3 weeks
Lai SY, Mandel SJ, Weber RS. Management of thyroid neoplasms. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al., eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier;2010:chap 124.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/27/2010
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; and Seth Schwartz, MD, MPH, Otolaryngologist, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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Which laryngeal nerve accompanies inferior thyroid artery?
recurrent laryngeal nerve
Which nerve is most commonly damaged during thyroidectomy External laryngeal or recurrent laryngeal nerve?
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is the most commonly damaged nerve during throidectomy.
What nerve requires careful dissection during thyroid surgery?
The Laryngeal Nerve.
What is the nerve supply to the larynx?
The larynx receives its nerve supply from the vagus nerve (cranial nerve X). Specifically, the recurrent laryngeal nerve innervates the intrinsic muscles of the larynx involved in phonation, while the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve supplies the cricothyroid muscle.
What causes recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy What can you do to help it recover?
The nerve is best known for its importance in thyroid surgery, as it runs immediately posterior to this gland. If it is damaged during surgery, the patient will have a hoarse voice. Nerve damage can be assessed by laryngoscopy, during which a stroboscopic light confirms the absence of movement in the affected side of the vocal cords. Similar problems may also be due to invasion of the nerve by a tumor or after trauma to the neck. A common scenario is paralysis of the left vocal cord due to malignant tumour in the mediastinum affecting the left branch of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. The left cord returns to midline where it stays. If the damage is unilateral, the patient may present with voice changes including hoarseness. Bilateral nerve damage can result in breathing difficulties and aphonia, the inability to speak. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve is more susceptible to damage during thyroid surgery due to its relatively medial location.
What happens if the laryngeal nerve is injured during a parathyroidectomy?
If this nerve is injured, the voice may become hoarse or weak.
What are the Causes of adult laryngeal nerve palsy?
multiple sclerosis- could be a sympton of
What is the recurrent laryngeal nerve?
The recurrent laryngeal nerve is a branch of the vagus nerve that innervates the muscles of the larynx, which are important for vocalization and swallowing. It loops around the aorta on the left side and the subclavian artery on the right side before traveling back up to the larynx. Injury to this nerve can result in vocal cord paralysis.
When was Nerve Damage created?
Nerve Damage was created in 2004.
How long does it take the laryngeal nerve to heal after a parathyroidectomy?
That depends on the injury. It could be anywhere from a few weeks to never.
What is the major risk in undergoing a parathyroidectomy?
The major risk of parathyroidectomy is injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve (a nerve that lies very near the parathyroid glands and serves the larynx or voice box).
Is heat or cold better for nerve damage?
Are you trying to heal or inflict nerve damage?
