Vocal cord paresis, also referred to as vocal cord paralysis when complete loss of movement occurs, is a condition in which one or both vocal cords fail to move properly due to nerve damage or dysfunction. The vocal cords, located in the larynx, are essential for producing sound, protecting the airway during swallowing, and regulating airflow. Symptoms may include a weak, breathy, or hoarse voice, difficulty projecting the voice, loss of vocal range, frequent choking or coughing during eating, and shortness of breath in severe cases. Causes can include viral infections, injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve during surgery, neurological disorders, tumors, or idiopathic factors. The severity and impact on speaking or swallowing depend on whether one or both vocal cords are affected and the extent of nerve impairment.