Treating Vocal Cord Paralysis Following a Car Accident

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Advanced Spine discusses treatment for vocal cord paralysis

When involved in a car accident, vocal cord paralysis is one of the possible injuries that you might experience. Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the nerve impulses to your larynx are disrupted in some way, resulting in the paralysis of the muscles. When this occurs, you may lose your ability to speak or even to breathe. This is because your vocal cords help to protect your airway by preventing saliva, food and drink from entering your windpipe and causing you to choke.

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In most cases of vocal cord paralysis, only one of the vocal cords is affected. Vocal cords consist of two flexible bands of muscle tissue located at the entrance of the windpipe. These bands come together and vibrate when you speak, resulting in sound. When you are not speaking, the cords are relaxed and in the open position so you can breathe. If both of these cords are affected, you may have significant problems with breathing and swallowing. Some of the signs and symptoms of vocal cord paralysis include:

  • Choking or coughing while swallowing saliva, drink or food
  • Hoarseness
  • Ineffective coughing
  • Loss of vocal pitch
  • Noisy breathing
  • Frequent throat clearing
  • Loss of gag reflex
  • Inability to speak loudly

A car accident can cause injury to the nerves that serve your voice box, thereby resulting in vocal cord paralysis. In some cases, surgery is necessary to repair this damage. If you have experienced vocal cord paralysis, contact Advanced Spine & Rehab. We specialize in treating individuals who have been injured in car accidents