Medical expert of the article
New publications
Laryngeal paralysis (laryngeal paresis)
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Laryngeal paralysis (laryngeal paresis) is a disorder of motor function in the form of a complete absence of voluntary movements due to a disruption of the innervation of the corresponding muscles. Laryngeal paresis is a decrease in the strength and (or) amplitude of voluntary movements caused by a disruption of the innervation of the corresponding muscles; it implies a temporary, up to 12 months, disruption of the mobility of one or both halves of the larynx.
ICD-10 code
J38.0 Paralysis of vocal folds and larynx,
Epidemiology
Among chronic diseases of the vocal apparatus, laryngeal paralysis ranks second and accounts for 29.9%.
Screening
All patients with hoarseness, those before or after strumectomy, prolonged intubation, or neck and chest surgery should undergo laryngoscopy.
Classification
Depending on the level of damage, laryngeal paralysis is divided into central and peripheral, unilateral and bilateral.
Causes of laryngeal paralysis (laryngeal paresis)
Laryngeal paralysis is a polyetiological disease. It can be caused by compression of the structures that innervate it or by the involvement of nerves in the pathological process developing in these organs, their traumatic damage, including during surgical interventions on the neck, chest or skull.
Laryngeal Paralysis (Laryngeal Paresis) - Causes and Pathogenesis
Symptoms of laryngeal paralysis (laryngeal paresis)
Laryngeal paralysis is characterized by immobility of one or both halves of the larynx. Disruption of innervation entails serious morphofunctional changes - the respiratory, protective and voice-forming functions of the larynx suffer.
Central paralysis is characterized by impaired mobility of the tongue and soft palate, and changes in articulation.
Laryngeal Paralysis (Laryngeal Paresis) - Symptoms
Diagnosis of laryngeal paralysis (laryngeal paresis)
The high incidence of tumor-related laryngeal paralysis necessitates a thorough examination of patients to detect malignant neoplasms. When assessing the anamnesis, attention is paid to the duration of the disease, since this affects the treatment tactics.
Laryngeal Paralysis (Laryngeal Paresis) - Diagnosis
Treatment of laryngeal paralysis (laryngeal paresis)
Etiopathogenetic and symptomatic therapy is performed. Treatment begins with eliminating the cause of immobility of half of the larynx, for example, nerve decompression; detoxification and desensitization therapy in case of damage to the nerve trunk of an inflammatory, toxic, infectious or traumatic nature.
[ Where does it hurt?
What's bothering you?
What do need to examine?
How to examine?