The laryngeal nerves attach to the voice box, or larynx. Laryngeal nerve
damage can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. There are two
laryngeal nerves-one on the right and one on the left. These nerves help move
the vocal cords, allowing a person to talk. They also help prevent food from
going into the windpipe, or trachea. Damage to these nerves usually produces
symptoms: hoarseness, inhalation of food or bacteria into the lungs which
causes aspiration pneumonia, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath.
Causes of laryngeal nerve damage include: injury, which may occur
accidentally during surgery or other medical procedures; strokes; tumors, or
growths, that can invade the nerve; infection, resulting in inflammation or
destruction of the nerve; enlarged arteries, which may press on the nerve;
diseases of the nervous system