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Management of Dysphagia in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis

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Book cover Decision Making in Vocal Fold Paralysis

Abstract

Unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) can result in a spectrum of dysphagia symptoms and swallowing impairment. The mechanism of swallowing dysfunction in UVFP is complex and not strictly a result of impaired vocal fold motion, and swallow dysfunction is not always present in the setting of impaired vocal fold closure. Because the impact of glottal incompetence and associated impairments affects swallowing through a variety of mechanisms, evaluation of dysphagia in those with UVFP must be systematic and comprehensive. Treatment may be surgical, nonsurgical, or a combination of the two and prioritizes airway protection, glottic valvular competence, and quality of life.

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Correspondence to Maggie A. Kuhn .

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Cates, D.J., Kuhn, M.A. (2019). Management of Dysphagia in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis. In: Amin, M., Johns, M. (eds) Decision Making in Vocal Fold Paralysis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23475-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23475-1_4

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