Clinical Significance
The nerve is best known for its importance in thyroid surgery, as it runs immediately posterior to this gland. If it is damaged during surgery, the patient will have hoarseness. Nerve damage can be assessed by laryngoscopy, during which a stroboscopic light confirms the absence of movement in the affected side of the vocal cords.
Similar problems may also be due to invasion of the nerve by a tumor or after trauma to the neck. A common scenario is paralysis of the left vocal cord due to malignant tumour in the mediastinum affecting the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. The left cord returns to midline where it stays.
- If the damage is unilateral, the patient may present with voice changes including hoarseness.
- Bilateral nerve damage can result in breathing difficulties and aphonia, the inability to speak.
- The right recurrent laryngeal nerve is more susceptible to damage during thyroid surgery due to its relatively medial location.
Read more about this topic: Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve
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