DHA Speech Therapist Practice Test - Prep, Questions & Study Guide

Unilateral vocal cord paralysis refers to the condition where one of the vocal cords fails to move properly, leading to issues with voice production, breathing, and swallowing. This type of paralysis can occur due to various reasons, such as nerve damage from surgery, viral infections, or tumors affecting the vagus nerve, which controls the muscles of the larynx.

In cases of unilateral paralysis, the affected vocal cord may not close completely, which can result in a breathy voice or difficulty projecting the voice. The diagnosis typically involves laryngeal examinations, including visualization techniques like laryngoscopy, to assess the movement of the vocal cords. Identifying unilateral vocal cord paralysis is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies, which may include voice therapy or, in some cases, surgical interventions.

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a related but distinct condition where both vocal cords are paralyzed, affecting voice and airway function. Vocal fold immobility is a term that could refer to both types of paralysis but does not specify whether it is unilateral or bilateral, making it less precise in this context. Vocal cord nodules, on the other hand, are benign growths caused by voice misuse or overuse and do not involve paralysis.