The time taken for vocal cord palsy (weakness of the voice box) depends on the underlying cause and whether it is temporary or permanent. Vocal cord palsy can be unilateral (one sided) or bilateral (both sides). For one sided vocal cord palsy, most of the time, the cause is unknown. Other common causes include complications/side effects of thyroid and neck/chest surgeries. Stroke and tumour of the voice box (carcinoma of the larynx) resulting in vocal cord palsy are fortunately less common causes.
Common symptoms of vocal cord palsy include hoarse voice, cough, choking on food or fluids, difficulty swallowing, phlegm in the throat and difficulty in breathing (for bilateral cord palsy)
Assessment of vocal cord palsy usually involves a consultation, nasoendoscopy (scope of the nose, throat and voice box area) and sometimes CT scan (special series of X-rays) and blood tests. Assuming that these tests were normal in you, you may have temporary vocal cord palsy. It can take between 6-12 months for full recovery if the nerve supplying your voice box is healthy and recovers.
Speech therapy is recommended for patients with vocal cord palsy whose quality of voice or swallowing is affected. Majority of the time, if there is little or no recovery after 6 months, procedures to close the gap caused by a weak voice box (e.g. injection of materials or surgery to close the gap between the vocal cords) can be considered.
Hope this helps and all the best!
