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. Patients with this condition may present with breathy dysphonia, vocal fatigue, effortful phonation, odynophonia, cough, globus, and/or dysphagia, lasting long after resolution of the acute viral illness. The patterns of symptoms and findings in this condition are consistent with the hypothesis that viral infection causes or triggers vagal dysfunction. This so-called postviral vagal neuropathy (PVVN) appears to have similarities with other postviral neuropathic disorders, such as glossopharyngeal neuralgia and Bell's palsy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five patients were identified with PVVN. Each patient'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.