Abstract
AbstractThe paralyzed vocal fold positioning and the degree of dysphonia are important inputs when one is deciding upon treatment options for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP). ObjectiveTo check voice characteristics and paralyzed vocal fold position in men with UVFP. Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective historical cross-sectional cohort study, with data from 24 men with UVFP with mean age of 60.7 years, submitted to voice assessment by three speech therapists and three ENT physicians used laryngeal images to classify the position of the paralyzed vocal fold. ResultsThe paralyzed vocal fold was found in the paramedian position in 45.83% of the cases; in the intermediary position in 25%; lateral in 20.83%, and it was in the median position in 4.16%; the dysphonia resulting from the UVFP was characterized by moderate hoarseness, roughness and stress in the voice; breathiness (most had severe breathiness); weakness and instability(mostly mild); the position of the paralyzed vocal fold had a significant influence on the general degree of vocal deviation. ConclusionThe general degree of dysphonia is associated with the paralyzed vocal fold position; dysphonia is characterized by hoarseness, breathiness, roughness and stress of moderate to severe levels.
Highlights
The precise incidence of vocal fold paralysis in the Brazilian Population is still unknown[1,2]
The general degree of dysphonia is associated with the paralyzed vocal fold position; dysphonia is characterized by hoarseness, breathiness, roughness and stress of moderate to severe levels
Results from the 24 patients involved in this study are depicted on tables, according to the data obtained from the charts and assessments of voice and laryngeal protocols for each patient
Summary
The precise incidence of vocal fold paralysis in the Brazilian Population is still unknown[1,2]. Notwithstanding, most vocal fold paralysis cases are among the elderly, and this is associated with a higher incidence of progressive neurological and non-laryngeal malignant diseases in this age range[2]. Vocal fold paralysis onset mean age is between 55 and 64 years[3,4]. Some studies[3,5] have shown that non-laryngeal malignant diseases, especially pulmonary, would be one of the main causes of vocal fold paralysis, being higher than thyroid surgery and iatrogenic causes. The second most frequent cause for such paralysis would be trauma, either surgical or not, including trauma secondary to neck surgeries, such as thyroidectomies, tracheal intubation, thoracotomy, car accidents and wounds caused by weapons[3,5]. When the cause of this immobility is associated with thyroid disorder treatments, it is more frequent among females[6]
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