In a patient with sudden hoarseness following a traumatic life event, what is the most likely diagnosis?

In this context, the diagnosis of conversion aphonia is supported by the sudden onset of hoarseness following a traumatic life event. Conversion aphonia is a type of conversion disorder, where psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms without an identifiable organic cause. The key element here is the timing of the symptoms, which developed immediately after a traumatic event, indicating a possible link between emotional stress and the physical manifestation of hoarseness.

In cases of conversion aphonia, patients may retain the ability to produce normal voice sounds in certain situations, such as laughing or coughing, but are unable to speak normally due to the psychological factors at play. This aligns with the sudden nature of the patient's symptoms in this scenario.

While other conditions like vocal cord paralysis, vocal cord nodules, and laryngeal cancer can lead to hoarseness, they are less likely to present suddenly in conjunction with a significant traumatic experience. Vocal cord paralysis often has a more gradual onset and can be associated with specific medical issues, whereas nodules generally develop over time due to chronic voice strain. Laryngeal cancer, on the other hand, typically doesn't present acutely and usually involves persistent, progressive symptoms over a longer period.