Vocal Cord Dysfunction (Paradoxical Vocal Cord Motion) By Rebecca Dezube, MD, MHS, Johns Hopkins University Reviewed / Revised Sep 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Treatment Vocal cord dysfunction involves paradoxical or dysfunctional movement of the vocal cords and is defined as adduction of the true vocal cords on inspiration and abduction on expiration; it causes inspiratory airway obstruction and stridor that is often mistaken for asthma.