Vocal cord paralysis in small children: principles in management

Vocal cord paralysis in children is an uncommon but often disabling problem. It may be congenital or acquired either in the immediate period surrounding birth or as a postpartum event. Because even unilateral vocal cord paralysis can result in severe respiratory distress in the newborn and in small children, recognition of this problem can be critical. A logical approach to diagnosis and management requires not only that the physician be alert to the problem but also that several procedures be established that can be used together or singly to address the problem, as is most appropriate to the individual case. The usefulness of intubation, tracheotomy, surgical lateralization of the vocal folds, and reinnervation in the management of these problems is discussed, and 30 cases of vocal cord paralysis in children under the age of 5 years are presented.