Abstract
Four hundred cases of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy which were examined in our clinic from 1960 to 1970 were investigated clinically. In 357 cases unilataral vocal cord was affected. The vocal cords were affected bilaterally in 42 cases. In one case the description of the affected side was inadequate. The left vocal cord was paretic in 248 cases (69%) of unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy. The most frequent etiolo- gical factor was common cold which was noticed in 77 cases. In 59 cases thyroid operation resulted in recurrent laryngal nerve palsy. No etiological factors were determined in 155 cases (39%). One hundred and sixty-four patients were investigated in terms of hoarseness one year or more after the onset. Complete recovery was found in 50 cases (31%) and a decrease in the degree of hoarseness was found in 64 cases (39%). Mobility of the vocal cord was examined in 115 cases one year or more after the onset. Complete recovery was found in 19 cases (17%) and, in 36 cases (31%), partial recovery was observed. The rate of recovery of voice or mobility was markedly high in recurrent laryngeal nerve was found in palsy resulted from common cold or in palsy of unknown etiology. Among various treatments, stellate block and application of steroid seem to be effective for certain groups of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy.
