Effective Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Paralysis and Paresis
Presented by Aaron Ziegler
Non-Financial: Aaron Ziegler has no competing non-financial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Voice production requires motor output from the nervous system to muscles of multiple coordinated structures. In patients who present with recurrent laryngeal nerve or superior laryngeal nerve deficits, vocal fold paresis and paralysis can be challenging to manage due to the variability in vocal impairments. Evidence-based practice for vocal fold paresis and paralysis often involves collaboration between laryngologists and speech-language pathologists. Surgical procedures to correct vocal fold closure may be necessary in addition to voice therapy to optimize vocal fold vibration and voice production. The goal of this introductory course for speech-language pathologists is to teach clinicians in outpatient and other rehabilitation settings to develop effective, patient-centered voice therapy for patients diagnosed with vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
Meet your instructor
Aaron Ziegler
Aaron Ziegler, PhD, CCC-SLP, is codirector of The Wellness Group for Voice, Speech, and Swallowing. Dr. Ziegler obtained his PhD in communication science and disorders at the University of Pittsburgh with Dr. Verdolini Abbott and earned a master’s degree in speech-language pathology at Northwestern University. He received a…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Voice Production and Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis
This chapter describes the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology involved in normal voice production. In addition, this chapter describes the contribution of motor deficits from recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injuries to vocal fold paresis and paralysis. This chapter provides a foundation on neuroanatomy and neurophysiology for addressing voice changes from vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
2. Voice Evaluation and Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis
This chapter describes evaluation procedures for vocal fold paresis and paralysis in patients with RLN and SLN injuries. In addition, this chapter describes typical findings from laryngeal imaging and other diagnostic testing. This chapter on voice evaluation provides the basis for decision-making in managing vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
3. Management of Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis
This chapter describes complementary surgical interventions to manage vocal fold paresis and paralysis in patients with RLN and SLN injury. Laryngologist Dr. Katherine Yung describes temporary and permanent procedures for correcting vocal fold closure. This chapter provides insight on the importance of multidisciplinary management of vocal fold paresis and paralysis.
4. Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis From RLN Injury
This chapter describes the planning and implementation of an efficient and effective voice therapy program to treat vocal fold paresis and paralysis from RLN injury. In addition, this chapter discusses voice therapy options for RLN injury as well as the timing of voice therapy. This chapter provides clinicians with myriad voice therapy approaches that address physiologic deficits and generalization of techniques to conversation.
5. Voice Therapy for Vocal Fold Paresis/Paralysis From SLN Injury
This chapter describes planning and implementation of an efficient and effective plan for voice therapy to treat vocal fold paresis and paralysis from SLN injury. In addition, this chapter discusses voice therapy options for SLN injury as well as the timing of voice therapy. This chapter provides clinicians with voice therapy approaches to address physiologic deficits that impact pitch and other voice concerns.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about Medbridge courses.
Who creates Medbridge courses?
We work with industry-leaders, top researchers, and consultants to build content roadmaps that are then structured into courses, filmed, and edited by our production team before being launched to our site.
How often does Medbridge release new courses?
New courses are added monthly and are automatically included in your subscription as they launch.
How often does Medbridge update courses?
Medbridge reviews its courses annually for relevance and to assess if content is up to date. Based on these reviews it may be determined that a course is out of date resulting in the course being re-filmed or retired, if the content is no longer needed (e.g. a replacement course already exists, the concepts are no longer best practice, etc.).
How many courses does Medbridge offer?
We have over 3,000 accredited courses and we are continually updating our library with new courses. Check our course library for the most up-to-date count for your discipline.
Are there any additional fees for taking a Medbridge course?
There are no additional fees for taking a Medbridge course, obtaining a course certificate of completion, earning CEUs as a subscriber, or accessing any of the additional tools your subscription may include.
Is there a limit to the number of courses I can take?
There is no limit to the number of courses you can take as a subscriber! As a subscriber to Medbridge, you have unlimited access to over 3,000+ accredited CE courses.
If you are a Premium subscriber, you also have unlimited access to our Patient Engagement Tools such as the Home Exercise Program, Patient Education Library, Orthopedic Exam Tests, and Manual Therapy Techniques. We have over 7,000 exercises and over 650+ videos and handouts of patient education resources with more exercises and patient education added to the library based on subscriber feedback, volume of request and specialities.
What is your refund policy?
You are eligible for a refund provided your request is received within 30 days of your subscription purchase and your account has no activity.