What is bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP)?
Vocal cords vibrate to make sound. Vocal cords also close when you swallow. They protect your airway from food going into your lungs. When vocal cords do not move, they are considered paralyzed. There are two types of vocal cord paralysis: • Both vocal cords do not move, called bilateral vocal cord paralysis (BVCP) • Only one vocal cord moves, called unilateral vocal cord paralysis (UVCP) Even though the two are related, the causes and management for each of the conditions is different.