A Case of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Movement Due to Psychological Causes

Abstract

Paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) is a dystonic laryngeal disorder characterized by involuntary vocal fold adduction during inspiration and/or expiration. PVFM is uncommon and may aggravate airway obstruction. And patients with PVFM have a specific etiology; therefore, treatment must be individualized and given immediately. We present a case of 63-year-old male presenting with intermittent dyspnea. After multidisciplinary workup, we presumed psychogenic PVFM and evaluated with speech-language pathologist and psychologist. In this report, we describe a rare case of psychogenic PVFM patient.