Vocal Fold Immobility

Abstract

Vocal fold immobility may be the result from neuromuscular damage and/or mechanical problems, including the disorders of central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, arytenoid joint fixation, or neuromuscular junction disease. The severity of symptoms varies which mainly depends on the degree of the injury, the position of the immobile vocal fold and the compensation of laryngeal function. The manifestations of unilateral vocal fold paralysis and arytenoid dislocation are similar, including different degrees of hoarseness, breathiness, vocal fatigue, aspiration, vocal fold hypomobility or immobility and glottal insufficiency. Bilateral vocal fold paralysis includes abductory type and adductory type, and bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis is most common and usually accompanied by severe dyspnea and laryngeal stridor, while bilateral adductor vocal fold paralysis usually causes hoarseness and aspiration.