What is Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM)?

Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM) also known as Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) is a vocal fold pathology that results in an individual having difficulty breathing and/or speaking. This disorder is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma. PVFM happens when your vocal folds close when they should open. When you breathe in your vocal folds should open, and when you breathe out they should close. When an individual has PVFM the vocal folds close or partially close when they should open in order to let air into the lungs. When this happens it makes it difficult for an individual to breathe and/or speak.

Some Signs and Symptoms:

  • Shortness of breath

  • Difficulty inhaling

  • Noisy breathing

  • Coughing

  • Tightness in the throat

  • Rough vocal quality

Causes of PVFM:

  • Exact cause is unknown

Triggers:

  • Reflux

  • Exercise

  • Fumes (perfume, gasoline, burnt toast, smoke, etc)

  • Pollen

  • Stress

  • Breathing in cold air

  • Changes in temperature

Treatments for PVFM:

  • Respiratory retraining through the teaching of breathing exercises to help an individual learn how to control the opening (abduction) and closing (adduction) of the vocal folds during passive and active tasks.

  • An individual will be educated on rescue strategies that will be efficient to keep vocal folds open during an episode.

  • Education regarding triggers that result in a PVFM episode and how to avoid those triggers will be provided.

Sources: Clinical Voice Pathology: Theory and Management 4th Edition Stemple, Glaze & Klaben; ASHA

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