Unilateral

Dr. James Thomas, a laryngologist or "voice doctor" answers "What is vocal cord paralysis?" showing audio and video clips to explain the disorder. The case in the video represents the most easy type of vocal cord paralysis to diagnose, where one vocal cord is immobile and located in the midline. Despite the apparent closure of the vocal cords, the reasons for the Patient's symptoms including hoarse voice, running out of air when speaking and inability to compete with background noise are identified by a close look at the laryngoscopy and stroboscopy examinations.

Symptoms of vocal cord paralysis come from a gap in the cords, not the lack of opening and closing. After surgery, if the gap is closed, even though one vocal cord doesn't move, the voice can be normal or almost normal.