Vagal neuropathy after upper respiratory infection: A viral etiology?

Purpose: To describe a condition that occurs following an upper respiratory illness, which represents injury to various branches of the vagus nerve. P atients with this condition may present with breathy dysphonia, vocal fatig ue, effortful phonation, odynophonia, cough, globus, and/or dysphagia, last ing long after resolution of the acute viral illness. The patterns of sympt oms and findings in this condition are consistent with the hypothesis that viral infection causes or triggers vagal dysfunction. This so-called postvi ral vagal neuropathy (PVVN) appears to have similarities with other postvir al neuropathic disorders, such as glossopharyngeal neuralgia and Bell's pal sy. Materials and Methods: Five patients were identified with PVVN. Each patien t's chart was reviewed, and elements of the history were recorded. Results: Each of the 5 patients showed different features of PVVN. Conclusions: Respiratory infection can trigger or cause vocal fold paresis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and neuropathic pain.