BILATERAL VOCAL CORD PARALYSIS FOLLOWING RADIATION-THERAPY FOR NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA

Cranial nerve palsies are uncommon late sequelae of radiation therapy. We present a rare case of bilateral vocal cord paralysis secondary to radiation-induced recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis. The exact mech anism accounting for radiation-induced nerve damage is unknown. The co mplication may occur years following radiation therapy thus making a c ausal relationship difficult. As there is no treatment available, the therapy should aim to improve the functional impairment produced by th e nerve involved.