Transient Vocal Fold Immobility

Abstract

Temporary vocal fold immobility resolving in 4 weeks or less is considered a transient immobility. Many different disorders may lead to this type of laryngeal motion impairment. It is important for otolaryngologists to be familiar with the differential diagnosis for transient vocal fold immobility in order to optimize the management of these unusual cases.

The Natural History of Idiopathic Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: Evidence and Problems

“…In contrast, delayed examination is likely to yield a lower rate of recovery because a certain number of cases will have already resolved, and only the more profound neuropathies will have persisted to be identified. Short‐lived vocal fold paralysis is identified in many series reviewed for this paper, as well as in other clinical contexts 5 . To date, only reports in which all patients undergo examination promptly after a surgery that puts the laryngeal nerves at risk have succeeded in controlling this variable; it may be impossible to do so in an entity such as IVFP.…”

"Early" vocal cord laterofixation for the treatment of bilateral vocal cord immobility

“…The cricoarytenoideal joints can be considered to be mobile in most cases of presumably transient or temporary VCI in the first 6 months [14] thus the concept of "early" laterofixation can be the primary treatment of dyspnea. It provides an immediate and longlasting adequate airway, and it is potentially reversible to a large extent from the point of view of laryngeal functions.…”

“…Vocal cord immobility (VCI) is commonly caused by a nonlaryngeal malignancy, thyroid surgery [2] or a presumed viral insult etc [14]. If an immobile vocal cord regains function, it usually does so within 9-12 months after injury.…”

“…Only rarely will VCI resolve after 12 months, therefore VCI that persists after 12 months is termed permanent immobility. The range between represents a temporary loss of function [14]. VCI is often transient or temporary, so in case of bilateral VCI the conventional treatment has two steps.…”

Comparison of outcomes and complications between awake and asleep injection laryngoplasty: A Case‐Control Study

“…Depending on the durability of the injected material, IL can be a durable (i.e., calcium hydroxyapatite) or temporary (i.e., collagen) treatment for glottal insufficiency 1. Given that roughly one half of patients can regain acceptable vocal function within 1 year after iatrogenic injury, a treatment with a shorter duration is often very useful to bridge patients who rely upon their voice for their livelihood until natural vocal fold function reappears 6–8…”