Management of Adult Vocal Fold Nerve Injury

Abstract

Abstract Diagnosis and management of nerve impairment in adults can be difficult due to the myriad of other diagnoses that must be considered. Accurate diagnosis of severity of a nerve impairment and determination of prognostic indicators for return of adequate function are paramount to best management. The strongest prognostic test of nerve function is electromyography. Team management by an otolaryngologist and speech-language pathologist of vocal fold paralysis needs to be sensitive to the patient's needs, both short-term and long-term. This article summarizes the current diagnostic tests and options. Case studies are included to guide the reader through team management and surgical options.