A paralysis of one vocal cord is a fairly common occurrence. Evaluation includes ENT exam, neck and chest imaging.
Causes include thyroidectomy, post-viral neuropathy, mediastinal lesion and neuroma of the vagus nerve.
Treatment is based on severity and associated symptoms. If it is known the 10th nerve is intact, watchful waiting is order.
Once diagnostic test rule out a tumor, and the symptoms of inability to cough with aspiration is noted, operative vocal cord injection is in order. This is best under general anesthesia but it can be performed in the ambulatory setting.
Vocal Cord Paralysis Video