Why would one vocal cord quit working my left vocal cord is not moving.?

Answer 1

I had this problem about 25 years ago....before widespread use of CAT scans and before the invention of the MRI A small tumor, a hamartoma, was found after extensive X rays in the musculature controlling the vocal cord I had surgery to remove it with good results. Later, I experienced serious voice weakness, as there may have been damage in the imprecise effort to excise the tumor. There was significant dyssymmetry in the vocal cord movement. The doctors could never could determine the reason, except the surgery damage theory. I had medialization thyroplasty to "shim" the weaker vocal cord toward the mid-line with good results. At present, I have a strong voice but this is because each morning I inhale water in the shower to "wash off" the vocal cords. In other words, the acccumulation of phlegm overnight is not moved away normally by my vocal cord movement---so I do it artificially with the hot shower water. After my experience, I am convinced that quite a number of people to not have perfect vocal cord symmetry. Beware, many speech therapists and EMTs are not very aware of these procedures I recommend contact with Dr. Albert Merati at the University of Washington Roger in Wichita