Five Cases of Idiopathic Associated Laryngeal Paralysis

Abstract

We present five cases showing lower cranial nerve palsy. All patients complained of dysphagia due to bilateral IX and X cranial nerve palsy. Serum antibodies to HSV and VZV suggested viral neuropathy. One patient, a 62-year-old man, underwent rehabilitation of swallowing for 1.5 months in order to resume oral intake. Four patients, a 29-year-old woman, 71-year-old woman, 38-year-old-woman and 69-year-old woman, underwent steroid and anti-viral therapy based on the regimen for Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. All patients showed remarkable improvement in oral intake ability. In cases showing acute onset of unilateral cranial nerve palsy, steroid therapy and anti-viral therapy should be considered.