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Is Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis a Rare Complication of Spinal Anesthesia? A Case Report

John C Guevara, MD

A 47 year old woman underwent an open reduction and internal fixation of a left ankle fracture under spinal anesthesia. In the recovery room, she noticed a sudden onset of dysphonia. Fiberoptic examination revealed an immobile right vocal fold. Her symptoms gradually improved over the next few weeks with conservative treatment. By the eighth week, her voice had returned to normal. Anesthesiologists should be aware that dysphonia that develops immediately or shortly after spinal anesthesia may represent a unilateral vocal fold paralysis (VFP).