Recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis: anatomy and etiology

• Published in: Otolaryngologic clinics of North America Vol. 37; no. 1; p. 25
• Main Author: Myssiorek, David
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-02-2004
• Subjects: Cervical Vertebrae - surgery; Endarterectomy, Carotid - adverse effects; Head and Neck Neoplasms - complications; Humans; Intraoperative Complications - etiology; Intraoperative Complications - prevention & control; Monitoring, Intraoperative; Recurrence; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve - anatomy & histology; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries; Skull Base - surgery; Thoracic Surgical Procedures - adverse effects; Thyroid Gland - surgery; Vagus Nerve Injuries; Vocal Cord Paralysis - etiology
• ISSN: 0030-6665
• DOI: 10.1016/S0030-6665(03)00172-5

Etiologies of adult vocal paralysis are varied by the site of the lesion as well as the extent and cause of the damage. Most large series point to surgery and neoplastic causes for recurrent nerve paralysis. A detailed history is important when working up a patient with this voice disorder. Knowledge of the anatomy of the head, neck, and chest as well as the mechanisms behind vocal fold paralysis is essential in the evaluation and treatment of recurrent nerve paralysis. Many of the surgical and traumatic causes of hoarseness are from compression type injuries. Recovery is dependent on the type, extent, and site of nerve lesion. Familiarity with this data allows the otolaryngologist to tailor management to suit each patient with vocal fold paralysis.