Clinico-etiological Profile of Vocal Cord Paralysis

Vocal Cord Paralysis may be of central or peripheral origin based on the underlying pathology. Central Causes contribute about 10% while peripheral causes about 90% and the current study evaluated the clinical profile of vocal cord paralysis. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the department of ENT for a period of one year. Patients with complaints of hoarseness or aspiration who on laryngoscopy examination with 45° telescope have been diagnosed to have vocal cord paralysis were included for the study. A total of 83 patients were included in our study. Results Vocal cord palsy was found most commonly after thyroidectomy (20.4%) followed by the idiopathic cause (19.2%). Certain cancers like lung cancer and neck cancers (hypopharyngeal, laryngeal and thyroid) carcinoma had also contributed significantly in the development of vocal cord palsy.  Left sided vocal cord palsy (65%) was found to be the commonest side affected followed by bilateral vocal cord palsy. Conclusion A proper protocol is necessary for identifying the factors responsible for vocal fold paralysis which would help in managing the condition more effectively. Before making a diagnosis as idiopathic vocal cord paralysis, detailed investigations should be carried out to rule out the possibilities of cancer, causing vocal cord paralysis.