[Congenital bilateral vocal cord paralysis].

Congenital bilateral vocal cord paralysis (CBVCP) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition and awareness of the condition is necessary to ensure early diagnosis and treatment. This case describes a 25-month-old boy suffering from CBVCP. The main symptoms at birth were inspiratory stridor combined with a normal voice and feeding problems. The difficulties in achieving the right diagnosis are demonstrated, and the treatment so far, including tracheotomy and a feeding tube, is outlined. The importance of fibre optic laryngoscopy in both diagnosis and control is stressed.