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Laryngeal nerve damage - Overview

Alternative Names

Vocal cord paralysis

Definition of Laryngeal nerve damage:

Laryngeal nerve damage is injury to one or both of the nerves that are attached to the voice box.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Injury to the laryngeal nerves is uncommon.

However, it may occur from:

A complication of neck or chest surgery (especially thyroid, lung, or heart surgery)
A breathing tube in the windpipe (endotracheal tube)
Tumors in the neck or upper chest, such as thyroid or lung cancer

Nerves of the larynx

Laryngeal nerve damage

Reviewed last on: 10/10/2008
Alan Lipkin, MD, Otolaryngologist, Private Practice, Denter, Colorado. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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