Doctors believe that COVID probably caused a teenage girl’s vocal cords to become paralyzed.
New Case Report Reveals COVID-19 Paralyzed a Teenage Girl's Vocal Cords, Resulting in Breathing Difficulties Requiring Surgery
Vocal Cord Paralysis: A Rare Complication of COVID-19
Did you know that COVID-19 can lead to vocal cord paralysis? 🦠🗣️ That’s right! A recent case report has highlighted this rare but serious complication, shedding light on the potential impact of the virus on the nervous system.
In this groundbreaking case, a 15-year-old girl experienced vocal cord paralysis after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The virus had somehow hindered her ability to breathe, requiring her to undergo surgery for treatment. Researchers believe that vocal cord paralysis may be a newly recognized complication of COVID-19, particularly among children.
👉 Q: Is vocal cord paralysis a common complication of COVID-19? A: Vocal cord paralysis is extremely rare in both children and adults. While there have been previous reports of vocal cord paralysis in adults, this case marks the first known instance in a teenager.
The girl, otherwise healthy, presented with difficulty breathing at the emergency room, nine days after her COVID-19 diagnosis. Upon further examination, doctors discovered that both of her vocal cords were paralyzed. Extensive investigations ruled out other causes, leading experts to attribute the paralysis to the virus.
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COVID-19’s impact on the nervous system isn’t limited to vocal cord paralysis. Patients have reported various neurological symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, brain fog, and changes in taste and smell.
Initially, speech therapy was attempted to alleviate the girl’s respiratory symptoms. However, when that proved ineffective, doctors resorted to a tracheostomy—creating an opening in her windpipe to assist with breathing. Remarkably, she depended on the tracheostomy for over a year, suggesting that nerve-related symptoms from COVID-19 may persist for an extended period.
After 15 months, the tracheostomy was finally removed, just in time for significant milestones: the girl’s senior prom and high school graduation. Thanks to the intervention, she was able to attend these memorable events without the tracheostomy.
👉 Q: Are long-term neurotrophic effects of COVID-19 common in children? A: No, these complications are not typically expected in young and healthy children and teenagers. With over 15 million reported cases of pediatric COVID-19 infections, the occurrence of vocal cord paralysis and other nerve-related symptoms is rare.
It is crucial for the medical community to be aware of the potential long-term effects of COVID-19 on children’s health. By recognizing and understanding these complications, healthcare professionals can improve the treatment and care provided to young patients.
This case serves as a reminder that COVID-19 can have far-reaching consequences, even beyond the respiratory system. As we continue to learn more about the virus, it’s essential to remain vigilant and adopt preventive measures to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones.
References:
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Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. (2023, December 19). News Release. Link to Source
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Understanding COVID-19 Symptoms. 3Health. Link to Source
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Neurological Manifestations of COVID-19. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Link to Source
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COVID-19 in Children: Frequently Asked Questions. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Link to Source
