Management of Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis/Paresis: A Laryngologist's Perspective

Abstract

This manuscript is a follow up to a panel presentation on “Vocal Fold Paresis & Paralysis: Controversies in Evaluation & Management,” which was held during the 2011 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Convention in San Diego, California. In addition to me, the other members of the panel included Sarah L. Schneider, MS, CCC-SLP, Director, Speech-Language Pathology Service, UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center; Nelson Roy, PhD, Professor, Speech & Language Pathology, Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of Utah; and Marshall Smith, MD, Professor of Otolaryngology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah. During the panel, I was tasked with presenting the reasons for controversies in the diagnosis and management of vocal fold paralysis. In this manuscript, I will summarize my portion of that presentation and will provide additional information on management options for unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) from the perspective of a laryngologist.