Symptoms of Vocal Cord Paralysis

A person suffering from vocal cord paralysis may experience a range of symptoms that can prove particularly disruptive to their professional and personal goals as well as damaging to their health. Vocal cord paralysis can occur due to a variety of causes, including stroke and brain injury. The symptoms associated with this health concern can involve several important bodily functions, making it difficult for affected individuals to function normally.

One of the most immediately obvious problems with vocal cord paralysis that is a common feature regardless of the severity of the paralysis is the change in a person’s speaking abilities. Vocal cords are flaps that open or shut, allowing air to pass through the throat. When a person speaks, these flaps shut and vibrate to create the sound of the human voice. However, an inability to manipulate these flaps can result in a change in speaking quality and ability.

In addition to problems with basic speech patterns, a person may not be able to breathe properly if their vocal cords shut and cannot be opened. Air will not be able to pass from the nose or mouth to the lungs, potentially causing suffocation.

The vocal cords are also responsible for manipulating the throat, allowing a person to swallow. Without properly working vocal cords, a person may have difficulty swallowing. This makes eating and drinking extremely difficult and may pose a serious nutritional threat.

If you have suffered a vocal cord injury because of someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney to speak about what legal steps you should take next.