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Paralysis of the larynx (larynx paresis)
Last reviewed: 23.11.2021
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Paralysis of the larynx (paresis of the larynx) is a disorder of the motor function in the form of a complete absence of voluntary movements due to a violation of the innervation of the corresponding muscles. Paresis of the larynx - a decrease in the strength and (or) amplitude of voluntary movements, caused by a violation of the innervation of the corresponding muscles; implies a temporary, up to 12 months, impaired mobility of one or both halves of the larynx.
ICD-10 code
J38.0 Paralysis of vocal folds and larynx,
Epidemiology
Among the chronic diseases of the vocal apparatus, the larynx paralysis is the second and constitutes 29.9%.
Screening
All patients with hoarseness, patients before and after a strumectomy, prolonged intubation or operations on the neck and chest should undergo laryngoscopy.
Classification
Paralysis of the larynx, depending on the damage levels, is divided into central and peripheral, one- and two-sided.
Causes of paralysis of the larynx (larynx paresis)
Paralysis of the larynx is a polyethiologic disease. It can be caused by the compressed innervation of its structures or the involvement of nerves in the pathological process developing in these organs, their traumatic damage, including surgical interventions on the neck, chest or skull.
Paralysis of the larynx (larynx paresis) - Causes and pathogenesis
Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis (larynx paresis)
Paralysis of the larynx is characterized by the immobility of one or both halves of the larynx. Violation of innervation entails serious morphofunctional changes - respiratory, defensive and voice-forming functions of the larynx suffer.
Paralysis of central genesis is characterized by impaired mobility of the tongue and soft palate, changes in articulation.
Paralysis of the larynx (larynx paresis) - Symptoms
Diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis (larynx paresis)
The high incidence of paralysis of the larynx of tumor nature dictates the need for careful examination of patients with the purpose of detecting malignant neoplasms. When assessing anamnesis pay attention to the duration of the disease, because this affects the tactics of treatment.
Paralysis of the larynx (larynx paresis) - Diagnosis
Treatment of laryngeal paralysis (larynx paresis)
Carry out etiopathogenetic and symptomatic therapy. Treatment begins with the elimination of the cause of immobility of the half of the larynx, for example, decompression of the nerve; detoxification and desensitizing therapy in case of damage to the nerve stem of an inflammatory, toxic, infectious or traumatic nature.
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