Treatment: Reinnervation
Reinnervation is a treatment option commonly recommended for younger patients who prefer to avoid implants. This procedure involves replacing the damaged nerve with healthy nerves sourced from the neck. By doing so, the muscles responsible for controlling the vocal cords regain their function. The main objective of reinnervation surgery is to prevent muscle and vocal cord atrophy, rather than restoring full movement of the vocal cord. However, in certain cases, this method has shown significant improvements over several months. Surgeons might also consider combining reinnervation with bulk injections to enhance the overall benefits of the treatment.
Treatment: Tracheotomy
In cases where both vocal cords are paralyzed, a tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that provides patients with the ability to breathe without obstruction. This specialized treatment is typically reserved for special cases. During the procedure, a surgeon makes an incision in the front of the neck and creates an opening into the trachea or windpipe. By inserting a long tube into the opening, patients can now breathe freely, bypassing the vocal cords that were previously restricting airflow.