Effective Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis and Paresis
Presented by Aaron Ziegler
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Voice production requires motor output from the nervous system to muscles of multiple coordinated structures. In patients who present with recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve deficits, vocal fold paresis and paralysis can be challenging to manage due to the variability in vocal impairments. Evidence-based practice for vocal fold paresis and paralysis often involves collaboration between laryngologists and speech-language pathologists. Surgical procedures to correct vocal fold closure may be necessary in addition to voice therapy to optimize vocal fold vibration and voice production. The goal of this introductory course for speech-language pathologists is to teach clinicians in outpatient and other rehabilitation settings to develop effective, patient-centered voice therapy for patients diagnosed with vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
Meet your instructor
Aaron Ziegler
Aaron Ziegler, PhD, CCC-SLP, is codirector of The Wellness Group for Voice, Speech, and Swallowing. Dr. Ziegler obtained his PhD in communication science and disorders at the University of Pittsburgh with Dr. Verdolini Abbott and earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Northwestern University. He received a…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Voice Production and Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis
This chapter describes the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology involved in normal voice production. In addition, this chapter describes the contribution of motor deficits from recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injuries to vocal fold paresis and paralysis. This chapter provides a foundation on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology for addressing voice changes from vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
2. Voice Evaluation and Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis
This chapter describes evaluation procedures for vocal fold paresis and paralysis in patients with RLN and SLN injuries. In addition, this chapter describes typical findings from laryngeal imaging and other diagnostic testing. This chapter on voice evaluation provides the basis for decision-making in managing vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
3. Management of Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis
This chapter describes complementary surgical interventions to manage vocal fold paresis and paralysis in patients with RLN and SLN injury. Laryngologist Dr. Katherine Yung describes temporary and permanent procedures for correcting vocal fold closure. This chapter provides insight on the importance of multidisciplinary management of vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
4. Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis From RLN Injury
This chapter describes the planning and implementation of an efficient and effective voice therapy program to treat vocal fold paresis and paralysis from RLN injury. In addition, this chapter discusses voice therapy options for RLN injury as well as the timing of voice therapy. This chapter provides clinicians with myriad voice therapy approaches that address physiologic deficits and generalization of techniques to conversation.
5. Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis From SLN Injury
This chapter describes planning and implementation of an efficient and effective plan for voice therapy to treat vocal fold paresis and paralysis from SLN injury. In addition, this chapter discusses voice therapy options for SLN injury as well as the timing of voice therapy. This chapter provides clinicians with voice therapy approaches to address physiologic deficits that impact pitch and other voice concerns.