Pediatric vocal cord paralysis

What is pediatric vocal cord paralysis?

Vocal cord paralysis occurs when the vocal cords (vocal folds) cannot move and are unable to reach each other, creating a gap between them. This gap can affect a child’s breathing and their ability to speak.

What are the different types of pediatric vocal cord paralysis?

There are two types of vocal cord paralysis:

1. Unilateral vocal cord paralysis is when a child’s vocal cords cannot move on one side.
2. Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is when a child’s vocal cords cannot move on both sides.

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric vocal cord paralysis?

• Crying (weak cry for infants (birth to 1 year)
• Noisy breathing
• Voice change
• Swallowing difficulties 

What are the causes of pediatric vocal cord paralysis?

Pediatric vocal cord paralysis can be caused spontaneously (unknown reason), or be the result of a:

• Complication from intubation (plastic tubing in the trachea (windpipe) to assist breathing)
• Surgery
• Traumatic injury
• Viral infection