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Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injury from birth trauma

Pathophysiology
1. Vagus Nerve injury at recurrent laryngeal
2. Results in unilateral vocal cord abductor paralysis
Causes
1. Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis
  1. Excessive traction on head during delivery
2. Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis
  1. Trauma to both recurrent laryngeal nerves
  2. Central nervous system injury
Signs
1. Hoarse cry
2. Respiratory Stridor
Diagnosis
1. Direct Laryngoscopy
  1. Vocal Cord Paralysis
Management
1. Small, frequent feedings (minimize aspiration risk)
2. Intubation if bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis
Course
1. Paralysis persists for 4-6 weeks

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This page was written by Scott Moses, MD. This page was last revised before 5/10/08, prior to consistent tracking of revision date. This page was last published on 5/10/2008. Please send comments and questions to the editor. Contact information may be found on the page About the Family Practice Notebook. These pages are best viewed with Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0.