Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Persistent Hoarseness In The Vocal Cords
Question: This is actually for a friend she is 51 and has HSV1 that she contracted genitally. 18 months ago. After the initial outbreak that lasted about 3 weeks she has had two other minor out breaks in the genital area
6 weeks ago has a sore in throat that was thought to be strep was treated for same . A week later she became hoarse the hoarseness persisted so she was sent to and ent . He did a scope and reported her right vocal cord was paralyzed. He further ordered an MRI which has not been done yet and sent her to a gastro guy to check for acid reflux . He said it could also be caused by a virus. Since she has HSV1 we are assuming due to the sore she had, that its HSV1. Questions :
Is there any definitive test to prove or disprove this theory?
If it is due to HSV1 what is the prognosis?
If it is HSV1 what is the best course of treatment
Have you seen or heard of any cases of this type where HSV1 contracted genital reactivated in another area such as the throat?
Should she see and Infectious disease doctor. Or any other specialist
6 weeks ago has a sore in throat that was thought to be strep was treated for same . A week later she became hoarse the hoarseness persisted so she was sent to and ent . He did a scope and reported her right vocal cord was paralyzed. He further ordered an MRI which has not been done yet and sent her to a gastro guy to check for acid reflux . He said it could also be caused by a virus. Since she has HSV1 we are assuming due to the sore she had, that its HSV1. Questions :
Is there any definitive test to prove or disprove this theory?
If it is due to HSV1 what is the prognosis?
If it is HSV1 what is the best course of treatment
Have you seen or heard of any cases of this type where HSV1 contracted genital reactivated in another area such as the throat?
Should she see and Infectious disease doctor. Or any other specialist
Brief Answer:
Vocal cord paralysis due the genital HSV 1 infection is unheard.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
HSV 1 is usually a non STD infection. But in occasion, it ccould be transmitted to genitals. But it would be usually confined to area in around the portal of entry. the virus remains in nerve roots and discharged along the nerves during the recurrences and manifest over that particular area and not disseminated except at extreme degree of immune deficiency. At this situation it can even involve brain and produce encephalitis. In such an immune deficiency(extreme), it can involve vocal cords. But I have neither come across nor heard any such situation so far. In my opinion, if at all this vocal cord involvement is due to any viral etiology, it could be due any other virus entered through oral route other than HSV 1 infection.
Dr S.Muruagn
Vocal cord paralysis due the genital HSV 1 infection is unheard.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.
HSV 1 is usually a non STD infection. But in occasion, it ccould be transmitted to genitals. But it would be usually confined to area in around the portal of entry. the virus remains in nerve roots and discharged along the nerves during the recurrences and manifest over that particular area and not disseminated except at extreme degree of immune deficiency. At this situation it can even involve brain and produce encephalitis. In such an immune deficiency(extreme), it can involve vocal cords. But I have neither come across nor heard any such situation so far. In my opinion, if at all this vocal cord involvement is due to any viral etiology, it could be due any other virus entered through oral route other than HSV 1 infection.
Dr S.Muruagn
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Dr .
Thank you for your prompt response. I was hoping for a reccomendation for a next course of action. The research I have done indicates if a virus is responsible for the paralysis it would usually be herpes,Lyme dease or Epstein bar. Unless I misunderstood stand your reply think you are saying other viruses can also cause this condition . If that is the case I would be great full if you could explain which ones. I would also like you advice as to next steps to deal with the paralysis. We have an appoint,net with an infectious dease Doctor on Tuesday . Would value your input as to the validity of this choic
Best XXXXXXX
Thank you for your prompt response. I was hoping for a reccomendation for a next course of action. The research I have done indicates if a virus is responsible for the paralysis it would usually be herpes,Lyme dease or Epstein bar. Unless I misunderstood stand your reply think you are saying other viruses can also cause this condition . If that is the case I would be great full if you could explain which ones. I would also like you advice as to next steps to deal with the paralysis. We have an appoint,net with an infectious dease Doctor on Tuesday . Would value your input as to the validity of this choic
Best XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
HSV 1 is unlikely to cause vocal cord paralysis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
What is mentioned in the online websites as Herpes virus referred to Herpes zoster infection affecting the nerve supplying the vocal cords rather than Herpes simplex virus. Other neurotropic (encephalitis causing virus) virus can also cause such problems rarely.
DR S.Murugan
HSV 1 is unlikely to cause vocal cord paralysis
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
What is mentioned in the online websites as Herpes virus referred to Herpes zoster infection affecting the nerve supplying the vocal cords rather than Herpes simplex virus. Other neurotropic (encephalitis causing virus) virus can also cause such problems rarely.
DR S.Murugan
Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
