Singer Shekhar Ravjiani, one half of the acclaimed musical duo Vishal-Shekhar, has revealed a deeply personal battle he faced two years ago when he lost his singing voice due to a serious condition known as Left Vocal Cord Paralysis. In an emotional post on Instagram, he candidly expressed feelings of devastation and a growing sense of pessimism following this life-altering diagnosis.
Fortunately, the talented artist shared that with dedicated medical intervention, he managed to regain his voice in just two weeks. He consulted with Dr. Erin Walsh, a specialist based in San Diego, through a video call, who guided him through the necessary treatment options to reclaim his vocal abilities.
What is Left Vocal Cord Paralysis?
Left Vocal Cord Paresis arises when the muscles responsible for controlling the vocal cords sustain damage or become paralyzed for various reasons. This debilitating condition can significantly affect an individual’s ability to speak or sing.
According to Dr. Swapnil Brajpuriya, a Senior Consultant in the ENT department at the Asian Institute of Medical Sciences in Faridabad, the vocal cords consist of two delicate pearly white bands of tissue housed within the larynx, which vibrate to produce sounds when we speak. When these cords cease to function, the medical community refers to this ailment as vocal cord paralysis.
Infections such as viral viruses, traumatic brain injuries, and strokes are among the myriad causes of vocal cord paralysis. If the paralysis stems from a viral infection, it is not uncommon for recovery to take up to six months. Additionally, individuals requiring surgery on their thyroid, throat, or upper chest may face an elevated risk of vocal cord nerve damage due to the breathing tubes utilized during the procedures.
The diagnosis of this condition typically involves an endoscopy, a procedure in which a thin, flexible tube equipped with a camera is gently inserted through the nostril and directed to the larynx for examination. Other diagnostic tools such as MRI, CT scans, and PET scans can also be instrumental in confirming the presence of vocal cord paralysis.
The recommended treatment strategies for managing this condition encompass comprehensive speech therapy aimed at vocal recovery. In certain cases, surgical interventions such as injection laryngoplasty may be necessary for more effective long-term management.
Published By:
Daphne Clarance
Published On:
Nov 19, 2024
What inspired you to share your journey with Left Vocal Cord Paralysis on social media?
**Interview with Shekhar Ravjiani**
*Acclaimed Singer and Musician*
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Shekhar. Your recent Instagram post about your battle with Left Vocal Cord Paralysis has resonated with many of your fans. Can you take us back to that moment when you first realized something was wrong with your voice?
**Shekhar Ravjiani:** Thank you for having me. It was a surreal moment for me. As a singer, my voice is my lifeline. When I first noticed something was off, I felt an immediate sense of panic. There was this strange weakness in my voice that I just couldn’t shake off. It was terrifying.
**Editor:** I can only imagine how difficult that must have been. You mentioned in your post feeling a sense of pessimism. Can you elaborate on the emotional toll this took on you during that time?
**Shekhar Ravjiani:** Absolutely. Losing my voice felt like losing a part of my identity. Music is my passion, my profession—it’s what I live for. I went through a rollercoaster of emotions: anger, despair, and at times, hopelessness. It was hard to envision a future in music without my voice.
**Editor:** Fortunately, you were able to regain your voice rather swiftly with the help of medical intervention. How did you find Dr. Erin Walsh, and what did the treatment process look like?
**Shekhar Ravjiani:** I found Dr. Walsh through a referral and, given the circumstances, we did our initial consultation via video call. She was incredibly supportive and provided a clear treatment plan. The process involved voice therapy and exercises that I needed to diligently practice. I was shocked to see such improvement in just two weeks!
**Editor:** That’s amazing! Now that you’ve overcome this challenge, how has this experience changed your perspective on music and your career?
**Shekhar Ravjiani:** It definitely gave me a newfound appreciation for my voice and my craft. I’ve always taken my ability to sing for granted. Now, I approach my music with a deeper understanding of its power—not just in entertainment, but as a form of healing and connection. I feel more passionate than ever to create music that resonates with people.
**Editor:** what message would you like to share with others who may be facing similar challenges?
**Shekhar Ravjiani:** I want them to know that it’s okay to feel afraid or hopeless; those feelings are valid. But it’s also essential to seek help and stay hopeful. With the right support and perseverance, it’s possible to overcome such obstacles. Your voice matters—figuratively and literally.
**Editor:** Thank you, Shekhar, for sharing your journey with us. We’re all looking forward to hearing your music in the future!
**Shekhar Ravjiani:** Thank you for having me. I’m excited to share it!
