Vocal Cord Paralysis

Published OnDecember 6, 2023

Dr Vaseem Choudhary
Homeopathic treatment for vocal cord paralysis in patient

Q1: What is Vocal Cord Paralysis?

Vocal Cord Paralysis is a condition where one or both vocal cords (also known as vocal folds) do not move properly. These cords are responsible for producing sound, swallowing food safely, and protecting the airway.

When the vocal cords become paralyzed or weakened, the voice becomes weak or breathy. It can also lead to choking, coughing, and difficulty speaking or swallowing.

Q2: What causes Vocal Cord Paralysis?

There are many reasons why vocal cord paralysis can happen. Some common causes include:

  1. Nerve Damage from Surgery – Surgeries involving the thyroid, neck, chest, or heart can accidentally injure the nerve controlling the vocal cords.
  2. Viral Infections – Viruses such as herpes, Epstein-Barr, or even the flu can cause inflammation and damage to the nerve.
  3. Stroke – A stroke can damage the part of the brain that controls vocal cord movement.
  4. Tumors or Growths – Cancerous or benign tumors in the neck, lung, thyroid, or brain can press on the nerve and cause paralysis.
  5. Neurological Disorders – Conditions like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), and myasthenia gravis can affect the muscles and nerves controlling the vocal cords.
  6. Trauma or Injury – Accidents, strangulation, or neck injuries can harm the nerve or larynx.
  7. Unknown Causes (Idiopathic) – In many cases, the exact reason for vocal cord paralysis is unknown.

Sometimes, no cause can be found. This is called idiopathic vocal cord paralysis.

Q3: What are the symptoms of Vocal Cord Paralysis?

The symptoms can vary based on whether one or both vocal cords are affected.

When one vocal cord is paralyzed (unilateral):

  • Hoarseness or weak voice
  • Breathy speech (air escapes when talking)
  • Difficulty swallowing (choking on food or liquids)
  • Frequent coughing or throat clearing
  • Shortness of breath (especially if both vocal cords are affected)
  • Loss of voice (aphonia)
  • Inability to produce high-pitched sounds

When both vocal cords are paralyzed (bilateral):

  • Stridor (a high-pitched sound while breathing)
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Sometimes emergency situations can arise due to blocked airway

Q4: How is Vocal Cord Paralysis diagnosed?

Doctors use several methods to find the problem:

  • Laryngoscopy: A thin tube with a camera is passed through the nose or mouth to see the vocal cords.
  • Voice tests: Done by a speech therapist.
  • Imaging: CT or MRI scans to check for nerve or brain issues.
  • Laryngeal EMG: A test to measure nerve signals to the voice box.

Q5: What are the Treatment Options for Vocal Cord Paralysis?

The treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the condition. Options include:

1. Voice Therapy

If the paralysis is mild, voice therapy may help improve vocal strength. A speech therapist teaches exercises to:

  • Strengthen the vocal cords
  • Improve breath control
  • Reduce strain while speaking

2. Medications

  • Steroids to reduce inflammation (if the cause is infection or swelling)
  • Botox injections to manage muscle spasms in the voice box

Q6: Paralysis Treatment in Homeopathy?

Homeopathy works by stimulating the body’s natural healing power. It doesn’t just treat the symptom but aims to treat the root cause of vocal cord paralysis.

Homeopathic remedies are selected based on the individual’s symptoms, their medical history, and their emotional state. It’s a gentle, safe, and non-invasive way to help the vocal cords recover their function.

Q7: What are the goals of Homeopathic treatment in this condition?

The main goals of Homeopathic treatment for vocal cord paralysis are:

  • Improve voice strength and clarity
  • Restore movement of the paralyzed cord
  • Help with swallowing and breathing
  • Prevent complications like infections, aspiration, or loss of speech
  • Avoid the need for surgery, if possible

Q8: Is Homeopathy safe for vocal cord paralysis?

Yes, Homeopathy is very safe. Remedies are made from natural sources and used in minute doses, which makes them free from side effects. Even if someone is taking conventional treatment, Homeopathy can be used alongside to support the recovery process.

Q9: How long does it take for Homeopathy to show results?

The duration of treatment depends on:

  • The cause of the paralysis
  • Duration of the condition (recent or old)
  • If one or both cords are affected
  • The general health of the patient

In recent cases, improvement can start within weeks to months. In chronic cases, it might take longer, but gradual recovery is possible.

Q10: Are there any successful case studies of Vocal Cord Paralysis treated with Homeopathy?

Case Study: Recovery from Unilateral Vocal Cord Paralysis with Homeopathy

Patient: Mr. Anil Sharma (name changed for privacy)
Age: 45 years
Occupation: IT
Location: Delhi, India

Background:

Mr. Sharma came to the clinic with a very weak and breathy voice. He was unable to take full classes at school. He had undergone thyroid surgery 2 months before, after which his voice changed. Doctors diagnosed him with left-sided vocal cord paralysis.

He was advised vocal cord injection and later surgery if no improvement occurred. Being a teacher, the loss of voice was causing emotional stress, fear of job loss, and anxiety.

Symptoms:

  • Very weak voice, almost inaudible in class
  • Dryness of throat
  • Cough while drinking water
  • Tiredness after speaking
  • Sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness

Homeopathic Evaluation:

After a detailed case taking, his emotional state, physical symptoms, and personal history were taken into account.

He was given Causticum 200, later followed by Gelsemium and Argentum Nitricum as per his progress.

Follow-Up:

  • 1 month: Slight improvement in voice clarity
  • 3 months: Could speak better in small groups
  • 5 months: Almost 80% recovery in voice; could teach again
  • 6 months: Laryngoscopy showed significant improvement in cord movement

Result:

Mr. Sharma avoided surgery completely. His voice was restored naturally through Homeopathic treatment, and he regained his confidence.

Q11: Which Homeopathic medicines are used in Vocal Cord Paralysis?

  1. Causticum – Top Remedy for Vocal Cord Paralysis

Causticum is one of the most effective homeopathic medicines for voice loss due to nerve weakness or paralysis. It is especially helpful when the voice is hoarse, weak, or completely gone, and the condition is linked to exposure to cold air or overuse of the voice.

When to Use:

  • Complete or partial voice loss due to nerve weakness.
  • Hoarseness or inability to speak for long.
  • Better with warmth, worse in dry cold air.
  • History of long-term speaking strain or cold exposure.

How to Use:

  • Causticum 30C, 2–3 times a day during active symptoms.
  • Causticum 200C once or twice weekly in chronic cases under supervision.
  1. Argentum Nitricum – For Hoarseness and Vocal Fatigue

Argentum Nitricum is suitable when hoarseness and vocal cord weakness come from overuse (e.g., teachers, singers, speakers). The patient may feel the voice cracks after talking for some time.

When to Use:

  • Hoarseness worsening with continued speaking.
  • Vocal fatigue and sensation of roughness in the throat.
  • Dry throat with a tickling sensation.
  • Suited for professional voice users.

How to Use:

  • Argentum Nitricum 30C, twice daily.
  • In recurring cases, 200C potency once every 5–7 days with guidance.
  1. Phosphorus – For Voice Loss and Laryngeal Weakness

Phosphorus is excellent when there is complete loss of voice, especially after emotional stress, speaking loudly, or due to laryngeal nerve weakness. Voice may come and go suddenly.

When to Use:

  • Sudden voice loss without pain.
  • Weakness in vocal cords.
  • Sensation of tightness in the chest or throat.
  • Worse from talking, better with rest and cold drinks.

How to Use:

  • Phosphorus 30C, 2–3 times a day in acute symptoms.
  • Phosphorus 200C once a week under a homeopath’s guidance in chronic cases.
  1. Rhus Toxicodendron – For Paralysis After Viral Infection

Rhus Tox is helpful for vocal cord paralysis following viral infections like the flu or cold. The voice is weak or hoarse, and there may be accompanying stiffness or a restless feeling.

When to Use:

  • Hoarseness after cold or viral infections.
  • Stiffness or raw feeling in the throat.
  • Restlessness, constantly changing position.
  • Voice issues after overexertion or weather changes.

How to Use:

  • Rhus Tox 30C, twice or thrice daily in acute cases.
  • 200C potency may be used once a week for chronic recovery, under supervision.
  1. Lachesis – For Left-Sided Vocal Cord Paralysis and Choking

Lachesis is especially helpful when the left vocal cord is paralyzed, or when the person feels choking or constriction in the throat. Voice issues may worsen from talking and improve with warmth.

When to Use:

  • Paralysis more on the left side of the vocal cords.
  • Feeling of tightness or choking.
  • Difficulty breathing while speaking.
  • Voice worsens with talking, better with warm drinks.

How to Use:

  • Lachesis 30C, 2 times daily.
  • For stubborn cases, Lachesis 200C once weekly under a professional’s advice.
  1. Gelsemium – For Voice Paralysis from Stage Fright or Anxiety

Gelsemium is ideal when vocal cord paralysis or hoarseness arises due to nervousness or emotional triggers like stage fright or fear of public speaking.

When to Use:

  • Hoarseness due to anxiety or fear.
  • Weak, trembling voice.
  • General weakness and drowsiness.
  • Nervous anticipation before speaking.

How to Use:

  • Gelsemium 30C, 2–3 times daily during acute episodes.
  • Gelsemium 200C once or twice weekly for recurring emotional triggers under guidance.

* Note – Above medicines are for knowledge purpose only. Take the medication only after doctor’s consultation. DO NOT SELF MEDICATE

Q12: Can Homeopathy prevent surgery in Vocal Cord Paralysis?

In many cases, yes. If the nerve damage is not too severe, and the treatment is started in time, Homeopathy can help avoid surgery.

Even in chronic cases, it can improve voice quality, help in nerve repair, and reduce the need for invasive procedures.

Q13: Can Homeopathy be used along with speech therapy?

Yes. Homeopathy and speech therapy can be used together. While speech therapy helps with techniques to use the voice better, Homeopathy works on the inner healing.

This combination often gives faster and longer-lasting results.

Q14: Are there any lifestyle tips to follow during treatment?

Yes, here are some simple and useful tips:

  • Avoid shouting or whispering
  • Take warm fluids, avoid cold and spicy food
  • Do not clear your throat forcefully
  • Use a humidifier at night
  • Stay hydrated
  • Practice breathing exercises
  • Rest your voice as needed

These tips help in faster healing along with homeopathic remedies.

Conclusion:

Vocal Cord Paralysis can deeply affect a person’s communication, confidence, and daily life. But with timely intervention, personalized homeopathic treatment, and supportive care, healing is possible.

If you or your loved one is suffering from vocal cord paralysis, don’t lose hope. Homeopathy offers a natural path to recovery—safe, non-invasive, and tailored to your unique needs.

5 FAQs on Vocal Cord Paralysis & Homeopathy

1. Can Homeopathy treat long-term vocal cord paralysis?

  • Yes, even chronic cases can improve with regular treatment. Recovery may take time, but progress is often seen gradually.

2. Is homeopathic treatment costly?

  • No, homeopathic medicines are affordable, especially when compared to surgery or long-term therapy.

3. Can children with vocal cord paralysis be treated with Homeopathy?

  • Yes, Homeopathy is safe for all ages, including children.

4. Do I need to stop my other medications while on Homeopathy?

  • Not always. A trained homeopath will guide you. In many cases, Homeopathy can work alongside your regular medicines.

5. What if no cause is found for the paralysis?

  • Even in idiopathic cases, Homeopathy helps by strengthening the body’s repair system and improving symptoms naturally.

Start your journey towards better focus today.

Homeo Care Clinic offers a holistic approach to treating the disease. The remedies mentioned above can treat the underlying causes of the condition and offer relief from the discomfort. However, it is important to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner for the correct dosage and duration of treatment. Homeo Care Clinic provides comprehensive care for various ailments, and offers customized treatment plans based on individual requirements.

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