Inferior Laryngeal Nerve Syndrome

Inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome: understanding, symptoms and treatment

Inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome, also known as inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome (syndromum nervi laryngei inferioris), is a condition associated with damage or compression of the inferior laryngeal nerve. This nerve is one of the important components of the nervous system that ensures the normal functioning of the vocal folds and control of the voice.

With inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome, various symptoms associated with impaired innervation of the vocal folds are observed. The main manifestations of the syndrome include hoarseness, weakening or loss of voice, difficulty speaking, voice fatigue, difficulty breathing and discomfort in the throat.

The causes of inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome can be varied. It can be caused by trauma, surgery, tumor, infection, or other abnormalities that compress or damage the inferior laryngeal nerve. Some people may also be predisposed to developing this syndrome due to the anatomy of the larynx.

To diagnose inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome, your doctor will usually examine your larynx and vocal folds and may also order instrumental tests such as laryngoscopy or electromyography. These methods allow you to evaluate the condition of the vocal apparatus and determine the presence of compression or damage to the nerve.

Treatment for inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome depends on its cause and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, conservative treatment may be required, including vocal cord rest, speech therapy, and medications to relieve inflammation or clear up infection. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve compression or restore normal nerve function.

Prevention of inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome includes minimizing the risk of laryngeal injury, using the voice properly, avoiding smoking, and controlling for upper respiratory tract infections. If you experience symptoms that indicate vocal fold dysfunction, it is recommended that you see an otolaryngologist for evaluation and diagnosis.

In conclusion, inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and impairment of voice function in patients. If you have symptoms, it is important to contact a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and to determine the best treatment approach. Modern diagnostic and treatment methods make it possible to achieve positive results and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome.



Inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome causes a dry cough, hoarseness, increased salivation and neck pain. This is due to the fact that the nerve is responsible for innervating the vocal cords and the muscular layer of the larynx.

Inferior laryngeal syndrome can manifest itself in several forms:

1. Esophageal-Schneider Syndrome, also known as ear tic or zygomatic tic syndrome. This is a condition in which the lower laryngeal syndrome is accompanied by ear tics (trismus, contracture of the masticatory muscles) or facial tics. This form of inferior laryngeal syndrome is less common. 2. Painful points and areas that are located on the border of the larynx and neck, as well as in the area between the larynx and the thyroid gland. This can cause inferior laryngeal syndrome, its symptoms and painful nerve response. 3. Discomfort points located in the ear area, but can also be on the border of the nose and nasopharynx or jaw and throat when the tongue is raised. This may also be a manifestation of inferior laryngeal nerve syndrome. 4. Laryngeal paralysis and paresis as the lower laryngeal syndrome, observed in persons with long-term severe lung diseases, respiratory oncology, diseases of the esophagus, blood vessels and valves, obstructive pulmonary disease and lesions of the central or peripheral neuron. They can lead to difficulty speaking and swallowing. 5. Adhesive laryngitis (inflammatory process of the mucous membranes of the larynx) and laryngeal stenosis - they are often observed in children. They are characterized by difficulties in inhalation and exhalation, stridor breathing, the appearance of whistling noises during inspiration (like “cricket singing”) due to insufficient expansion of the lumen of the narrowed glottis, a cough that gradually appears on exhalation and the absence of expectoration of sputum.

The symptoms of inferior laryngeal syndrome are described above. It can also occur in a number of other diseases of the pharynx, oral cavity, larynx (laryngotracheitis, burns, injuries, systemic inflammatory diseases), diseases of the larynx