Causes of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis

The recurrent laryngeal nerve in its course from the brain stem to the larynx follows a path that brings it in proximity to numerous structures. These structures can interfere with its function by pressure or by disruption of the nerve caused by disease invading the nerve. The various causes of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis that I have observed during the past 24 years are reported. In 134 patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis, the left recurrent nerve was most commonly involved. Malignant neoplasms of the lung and pulmonary tuberculosis were the most frequent causes of the paralysis.