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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you've gone to your regular doctor with a concern about your voice, he or she may refer you to an expert in the field. Vocal cord paralysis is usually diagnosed by an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and lifestyle, listen to your voice, and ask you how long you've had voice problems. The following tests may be performed:
- Endoscopy. Your doctor will look at your vocal cords using a mirror and/or a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) with a light at one end and a viewing piece or camera at the other. The endoscope allows your doctor to view your vocal cords directly or on a video monitor to determine whether one or both vocal cords are affected, as well as the movement and position of the vocal cords.
- Laryngeal electromyography. This test measures the electric currents in your voice box muscles. By looking at the pattern of the currents, your doctor can determine the degree of the problem and what types of treatment may be most effective. To obtain these measurements, your doctor inserts small needles into your vocal cord muscles.
- Blood tests and scans. Because a number of diseases may cause a nerve to be injured, you may need additional tests to identify the cause of the paralysis. Tests may include blood work, X-rays, MRI or CT scans.
