Living with Congenital laryngeal palsy
A condition also called congenital vocal cord paralysis, in which one or both vocal cords do not move well from birth.
Understanding Congenital laryngeal palsy
The cause of paralysis of both cords is often unknown. Sometimes it is linked to immature nerves or muscles, or nervous system conditions such as Arnold-Chiari malformation, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, low oxygen or bleeding. Birth trauma can cause temporary paralysis lasting 6 to 9 months. One-sided paralysis is usually of unknown cause. A flexible endoscope exam can diagnose it.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and ear, nose, and throat specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Voice Health Institute and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
The cause is often unknown. Some cases are linked to immature nerves or muscles, nervous system conditions, low oxygen, bleeding or birth trauma, and one-sided cases to vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve problems.
Also known as: congenital vocal cord palsy; congenital vocal cord paralysis
Patient organizations
- Voice Health InstituteCongenital laryngeal palsy · United States
- The Foundation for Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy · United States
- Neuropathy Action FoundationPeripheral neuropathy · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Congenital laryngeal palsy.
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