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What is Laryngeal Nerve Damage?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

The superior and inferior laryngeal nerves in the throat control the movement and function of the larynx, also called the voice box. Significant breathing and speaking difficulties can arise if one or both nerves are damaged due to trauma, infection, surgical complications, or other causes. Laryngeal nerve damage is usually a minor problem that goes away on its own within a few months. In some cases, however, surgery is needed to repair severely damaged nerves and vocal cords. Patients may need voice therapy to regain their ability to speak clearly.

The larynx houses two bands of tissue called vocal cords that stretch and compress to produce different pitches. The laryngeal nerves supply impulses from the brain to control their movement. The major consequence of laryngeal nerve damage is weakness or paralysis of the vocal cords. One or both cords can be affected, and depending on the severity of nerve damage, paralysis can be a temporary condition or cause lifelong speech difficulties.

Breathing and speaking difficulties may result from laryngeal nerve damage.
Breathing and speaking difficulties may result from laryngeal nerve damage.

Laryngeal nerve damage can have several different causes. Direct trauma to the throat and chest can injure the larynx, trachea, and underlying nerve tissue. People with chronic or recurring laryngitis may experience symptoms if vocal cord swelling puts pressure on the nerves. A cancerous or benign tumor can form in the trachea that compresses nerves and blood vessels in the area. Finally, some cases of damage to the laryngeal nerve occur following surgery on the thyroid gland, trachea, or another structure in the throat. The nerves are very delicate and it is possible for a surgeon to accidentally sever or damage one during an operation.

Individuals with laryngeal nerve damage may have difficulty swallowing food and drink.
Individuals with laryngeal nerve damage may have difficulty swallowing food and drink.

Regardless of the cause, laryngeal nerve damage is likely to cause problems for patients. A person may be very hoarse and have noisy breathing. If speech is possible at all, it is usually at awkward pitches and very quiet. An individual may also have trouble swallowing food, drinking liquids, and clearing his or her throat. Breathing and swallowing difficulties can be severe enough to warrant an immediate trip to the emergency room.

Doctors may perform an endoscopy to diagnose laryngeal nerve damage.
Doctors may perform an endoscopy to diagnose laryngeal nerve damage.

After stabilizing a patient's breathing, a doctor can diagnose laryngeal nerve damage by interpreting results from diagnostic imaging scans. He or she tries to determine the extent of vocal cord damage and swelling and looks for signs of tumors, lesions, and infections. An endoscopic camera may be inserted into the throat to inspect the nerves and voice box more carefully. Underlying causes are treated appropriately with medications or surgery.

The laryngeal nerves control the larynx.
The laryngeal nerves control the larynx.

Recovery is likely from minor nerve damage, and most patients simply need to rest for one to three months while nerve tissue heals. Significant damage may require surgical intervention to preserve speech. The vocal cords may be realigned to promote clear, properly-pitched noises despite paralysis. Some voice problems can be permanent even with surgery, but regular sessions with speech therapists can help people learn how to communicate effectively in their daily lives.

Discussion Comments

anon937145

My sister just started coughing uncontrollably one day and went to the doctor that night. She sat in the hospital for about two or three hours, still coughing uncontrollably. Later she was seen and received a breathing treatment. The next day her throat started hurting and she was hoarse. The day after that she had no voice at all.

She speaks and its only her lips moving and air coming out. When she says, "Let's go to the mall," it sounds like " haaa aaaah ooh aaa." Really, it's just air coming out and I have to read her lips to determine what she is saying. It has currently been nine months and some and she still can't talk at all. They finally have figured that due to a viral infection her laryngeal nerve was damaged and it likely can't be repaired, but we pray it comes back. We have all had to become accustomed to her being non verbal. She is 23 and could speak for nearly 20 years of life, so this is new to her also.

anon347811

Always get a referral to a voice specialist speech and language therapist.

anon110999

This happened to my daughter after Patent Ductus Repair, recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, she had the endoscopy view of her vocal cords and we are doing extensive speech therapy.

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    • Breathing and speaking difficulties may result from laryngeal nerve damage.
      By: DDRockstar
      Breathing and speaking difficulties may result from laryngeal nerve damage.
    • Individuals with laryngeal nerve damage may have difficulty swallowing food and drink.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Individuals with laryngeal nerve damage may have difficulty swallowing food and drink.
    • Doctors may perform an endoscopy to diagnose laryngeal nerve damage.
      By: Paco Ayala
      Doctors may perform an endoscopy to diagnose laryngeal nerve damage.
    • The laryngeal nerves control the larynx.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      The laryngeal nerves control the larynx.
    • Direct trauma to the throat may cause laryngeal nerve damage.
      By: Dmitry Naumov
      Direct trauma to the throat may cause laryngeal nerve damage.
    • Surgery on the thyroid gland in the front of the throat may be the cause of laryngeal nerve damage.
      By: nerthuz
      Surgery on the thyroid gland in the front of the throat may be the cause of laryngeal nerve damage.