Vocal cord paralysis

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Coping and support

By Mayo Clinic staff

Vocal cord paralysis can be frustrating and sometimes debilitating, especially because your voice affects your ability to communicate. A speech therapist can help you develop the skills you need to communicate. Even if you're not able to regain the voice you once had, speech therapy can help you learn effective ways to compensate. In addition, a speech-language pathologist can teach you efficient ways to use your voice without causing further damage to the vocal mechanism.

References
  1. Vocal cord paralysis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/vocalparal.htm. Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
  2. Vocal cord paralysis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec08/ch092/ch092g.html. Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
  3. Fact sheet: Vocal cord paralysis. American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/vocalChordParalysis.cfm. Accessed Jan. 24, 2010.
  4. Wareing M, et al. Vocal cord paralysis. In: Lalwani AK. Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Otolaryngology — Head & Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2827843. Accessed Jan. 21, 2010.
  5. Lustig LR, et al. Ear, nose, and throat disorders. In: McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2010. 49th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2356. Accessed Jan. 21, 2010.
  6. Deckert J, et al. Vocal cord dysfunction. American Family Physician. 2010;81:156.
  7. Rubin RT, et al. Vocal fold paresis and paralysis. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2007;40:1109.
  8. Maragos NE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 26, 2010.
DS00670 March 20, 2010

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