Is Immobile vocal fold Related to the Spinal Accessory Nerve Agenesis?: A Case Report

Abstract

The spinal accessory nerve innervates the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, but the internal branch from the spinal accessory nerve is also contributing to the motor innervation of the larynx. For the first time, we report a case of an impairment of sternocleidomastoid, trapezius, and thyroarytenoid muscles from the same side. In our case, the anatomical variant that can explain this situation implies the cranial roots and some fibers from the spinal roots of the spinal accessory nerve to form the internal branch. In the case of agenesis of these spinal roots, the muscles reliant on it would be missing. For this reason, it is advisable to rule out laryngeal problems in patients with sternocleidomastoid and/or trapezius muscles impairment.

Keywords: Dysphonia; Immobile; Laryngeal; Paralysis; Spinal accessory; Sternocleidomastoid.