Post-traumatic Delayed Bilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis Caused by Cervical Osteophytes: A Case Report

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Radiology

Background:

• Vocal fold paralysis results from vagus or recurrent laryngeal nerve dysfunction.
• Bilateral vocal fold paralysis can be severe and life-threatening.
• Cervical osteophytes are an infrequently reported cause of this condition.

Observation:

• A 68-year-old male presented with consciousness disturbance after a fall, followed by dysphagia and dysarthria.
• The patient developed bilateral vocal cord fixation in the paramedian position, leading to airway compromise.
• Cervical CT revealed vertebral osteophytes compressing the tracheoesophageal groove and glottis.

Findings:

• Cranial injuries improved with conservative management.
• Vocal cord paralysis persisted despite improvement in intracranial lesions.
• Cervical vertebral osteophytes were identified as the cause of vocal fold paralysis.

Implications:

• Clinicians must consider cervical osteophytes as a potential cause of vocal fold paralysis, especially after trauma.
• Delayed presentation of traumatic vocal cord paralysis is possible.
• Prompt diagnosis via cervical imaging is crucial for managing this rare condition.