The case suggests that vocal cord paralysis might be a rare complication of COVID infection, caused by the virus' effect on the nervous system.

"Given how common this virus is among children, this newly recognized potential complication should be considered in any child presenting with a breathing, talking or swallowing complaint after a recent COVID-19 diagnosis," lead researcher Dr. Danielle Larrow, a resident at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, said in a news release.

"This is especially important as such complaints could be easily attributed to more common diagnoses such as asthma," she said.
While there have been several reports of vocal cord paralysis in adults, this is the first report of the complication in a teenager, researchers said.