A paralysis attack to the vocal chord can have severe consequences on our voice pitch. Hence, treating a vocal cord paralysis attack immediately is a must. After a paralytic attack, the movements of the vocal cord would become restricted. The restricted movements would result in either speechlessness or hoarseness when an affected person tries to make a loud sound. The intake of liquids may also lead to choking.
Treating Vocal Cord Paralysis: Vocal cord paralysis can be treated with the help of several voice therapy sessions or a surgery. A person who experiences a trauma in the head or neck should not ignore the signs. These may well be the symptoms of the onset of a paralytic attack. Treatment is readily available for a vocal cord paralytic attack.
- Seek immediate medical advice. Vocal weakness, breathing problems, experiencing grainy or a hoarse voice output, swallowing problems, choking during liquid intake etc. are a few symptoms of a paralysis attack to the vocal cords.
- Upon seeking medical assistance for treatment, it is essential that the extent of vocal cord damage is identified. The attack could be either unilateral (single vocal cord fold) or bilateral (double vocal cord folds), based on which therapy or surgery is to be suggested.
- A surgery would not be necessary straight away for treating a paralytic attack. Simple therapy sessions that include breathing exercises, tips to control the pitch and loudness of the voice, head and neck placement for optimum vocal sound production are also helpful in restoring normality.
- It is important for the patient to understand the kind and extent of damage that his/her vocal cord has suffered. The doctor can help patients in understanding this. This can help patients understand their situation and help exercise better caution.
- Also, it is important that a symptoms chart is maintained by the sufferer to note down the occurrence of symptoms. If the symptoms get frequent and severe, it could mean a double paralysis. See a doctor immediately as this can be a severe life threat.
- It is important to take speech or voice therapy sessions even after a surgery. This can help in developing suitable vocal habits.
Symptoms of vocal cord paralysis should not be ignored and if experiencing any as such, seeing a doctor straight away would not lead to speech problems. In some cases, there may be a threat to the patient’s life as well.
