Vocal Rehabilitation of Paralytic Dysphonia: IV. Paralytic Dysphonia Due to Unilateral Recurrent Nerve Paralysis

Abstract

<h3>Present Interpretation of Laryngoplegic Findings</h3> Previous papers were devoted to the clarification of certain pathologic concepts dealing with laryngeal paralysis. Until further information will resolve some remaining discrepancies in the analysis of laryngeal neurology, we may follow the detailed presentation by Pressman and Kelemen.⁵³These authors join a large group of investigators in assuming that<i>midline position</i>of the paralyzed vocal cord usually indicates complete paralysis of the inferior laryngeal nerve. Abducted position in the<i>intermediate line</i>, however, is generally interpreted as a sign of combined and complete paralysis of both the inferior and the superior laryngeal nerves. In order to identify the accepted terms for the various vocal cord positions, Figure 1 summarizes the definitions used in this discussion. It was a peculiar coincidence that three independent authors published three extensive reviews of the same problem and came to very similar conclusions: Berendes⁹in May, 1956; Tschiassny