Vocal Fold Motion Impairment

Vocal fold motion abnormalities in children are the second most common form of laryngeal pathology seen in children, and often present in the first 24 months of life. A thorough evaluation of the aerodigestive tract will include an examination of the vocal folds, and a proper diagnosis is essential in order to decipher the etiology of swallowing, voicing and breathing abnormalities. This article reviews the workup, management options and clinical outcomes of unilateral and bilateral vocal fold motion impairment in the pediatric population.