The evolution of the assessment and treatment of paralytic dysphonia

Vocal fold paralysis has been an omnipresent disorder throughout the annals of laryngologic history since the origin of the specialty in 1858. The att endant complexity of laryngoscopic presentation, physiologic dysfunction, a nd surgical rehabilitation have led to a rich heritage of scientific invest igations that can be traced through the past 140 years. The following histo rical summary provides the reader with a working knowledge of past experien ces that connect to current initiatives and portend future progress.