|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Definition: | Damage to one or both of the nerves attached to the larynx (voice box) can result in loss of voice or obstruction of breathing. Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve is especially common during thyroid, lung, or heart surgery.
|
| Alternative Names: | Vocal cord paralysis
|
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve is uncommon but may occur as a complication of surgery in the neck or chest. It may also occur from the placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe (endotracheal tube) or during positioning of the head and neck prior to the placement of such a tube. The nerve can also be injured by masses (tumors) or swollen lymph nodes in the mediastinum (center of the chest).
|
|
|
Review Date: 2/6/2003
Reviewed By: David A. Kaufman, M.D., Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
|
|
