Definition The laryngeal nerves attach to the voice box, or larynx. Laryngeal nerve damage can be caused by a variety of medical conditions.
What is going on in the body? There are two laryngeal nerves-one on the right and one on the left. These nerves help move the vocal cords, allowing a person to talk. They also help prevent food from going into the windpipe, or trachea. Damage to these nerves usually produces symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition? Damage to the laryngeal nerves may cause:
infection, resulting in inflammation or destruction of the nerve
enlarged arteries, which may press on the nerve
diseases of the nervous system
What can be done to prevent the condition? Usually, nothing can be done to prevent laryngeal nerve damage.
How is the condition diagnosed? A person's symptoms and the findings of a physical examination make the doctor suspect laryngeal nerve damage. The diagnosis can sometimes be confirmed with swallowing studies.
A procedure called endoscopy may also be used to confirm nerve damage. This involves inserting a thin tube through the mouth and into the vocal cords. The tube has a camera on the end of it that allows the doctor to view the vocal cords and check their function. This procedure, as well as other tests such as x-rays, may also help uncover the cause of the nerve damage.
What are the long-term effects of the condition? Damage to the laryngeal nerves is often permanent. This may cause lifelong voice or breathing problems.
What are the risks to others? Laryngeal nerve damage is not contagious, and poses no risk to others.
What are the treatments for the condition? Treatment varies depending on the cause and extent of the laryngeal nerve damage, but may include:
surgery to help prevent lung infections or relieve breathing problems
short-term use of a ventilator, or artificial breathing machine
a tracheostomy, which is a surgical opening into the windpipe to allow breathing
antibiotics, if a lung infection occurs
surgery or medication to treat the underlying cause of the nerve damage. For example, a tumour may need to be surgically removed.
What are the side effects of the treatments? Medications can cause side effects such as allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery carries the risks of bleeding, infection and allergic reaction to the anaesthesia.
What happens after treatment for the condition? Laryngeal nerve damage is often permanent. A person may be able to return to his or her normal activities after treatment. In some cases, the individual will need voice retraining with a speech therapist. Treatment may have to continue for the rest of a person's life depending upon the underlying cause of the nerve damage.
How is the condition monitored? Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor.
Author: Adam Brochert, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
