Bilateral abductor palsy of the vocal cords presents with which clinical picture?

• A Aphonia with adequate airway
• B Expiratory stridor only
• C Complete aphonia with respiratory distress requiring laryngectomy
• D Inspiratory stridor with adequate voice, requiring emergency tracheotomy ✓

Explanation

In bilateral abductor palsy (bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis), both cords assume the paramedian position (adducted); the voice is near normal because adductors are intact, but the glottis cannot open, causing severe inspiratory stridor and airway compromise requiring urgent tracheotomy. This contrasts with bilateral adductor palsy, which causes aphonia with adequate airway. Unilateral abductor palsy causes mild hoarseness and aspiration.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.