Swallowing dysfunction in patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis: aetiology and outcomes

Although unilateral vocal fold palsy (UVFP) is a common problem, data relating to swallowing dysfunction are sparse. We reviewed the clinical findings (method of presentation, underlying diagnosis and position of the vocal folds) of 30 patients and conducted a follow-up telephone survey. Outcome mea...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of laryngology and otology 2006-01, Vol.120 (1), p.38-41
Main Authors: Ollivere, B, Duce, K, Rowlands, G, Harrison, P, O'Reilly, B J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Cohort Studies
Cough - etiology
Deglutition Disorders
Deglutition Disorders - etiology
Deglutition Disorders - therapy
Disorders of higher nervous function. Focal brain diseases. Central vestibular syndrome and deafness. Brain stem syndromes
Dysphagia
Etiology
Female
Humans
Main Articles
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Nervous system (semeiology, syndromes)
Nervous system as a whole
Neurology
Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology
Patients
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
Rehabilitation of Speech and Language Disorders
Speech therapy
Speech Therapy - methods
Surgeons
Surgery
Swallowing
Treatment Outcome
Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cord Paralysis - complications
Vocal Cord Paralysis - therapy
Voice Disorders - etiology
Voice Disorders - therapy
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Description
Summary:Although unilateral vocal fold palsy (UVFP) is a common problem, data relating to swallowing dysfunction are sparse. We reviewed the clinical findings (method of presentation, underlying diagnosis and position of the vocal folds) of 30 patients and conducted a follow-up telephone survey. Outcome measures used were direct visualization of fold function, position and compensation. In addition, standardized speech and language assessments for swallowing dysfunction and dysphonia were noted and compared to presentation. Our study indicates that 56 per cent of patients with UVFP have associated dysphagia. Outcome with speech therapy is significant, with 73 per cent showing improvement. These data indicate a significant link between UVFP and swallowing dysfunction. There is a marked therapeutic benefit from voice therapy. Further work is required to evaluate the long-term outcomes and establish the mechanism of swallowing dysfunction in these patients.
ISSN:0022-2151
1748-5460
DOI:10.1017/S0022215105003567