Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  1999 Feb;42(2):225-231.

Clinical Usefulness of Laryngeal Electromyography for Patients with Vocal Cord Palsy

• Choi HS
• Choi YJ
• Moon SW
• Kim TM

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Vocal cord palsy is a complex disorder which may result from numerous causes. Laryngeal electromyography is a valuable adjunct in the study of vocal cord dysfunction. It yields objective and reproducible data, and may establish the pathophysiology and prognosis of laryngeal nerve pathology. We investigated the clinical usefullness of laryngeal electromyography for patients with vocal cord palsy. MATERIAL & METHOD: Laryngeal EMG was performed for 35 patients diagnosed as vocal cord palsy.
RESULTS
We defined complete denervation when electrical silence, fibrillation potential or positive sharp waves were seen. We defined partial denervation when motor unit potential with low amplitude and low frequency was seen. We planned treatment modality according to the laryngeal EMG findings. In case of complete denervation, phonosurgery was recommended, whereas voice therapy and observation were recommended when partial denervation was noted.
CONCLUSION
Laryngeal EMG is clinically valuable for the evaluation of vocal cord palsy and can serve as a guideline for determining the treatment plan. It is also useful in anticipating the prognosis of laryngeal nerve palsy.

Keyword

Laryngeal electromyography; Vocal cord palsy

MeSH Terms

Denervation
Electromyography*
Humans
Laryngeal Nerves
Paralysis
Pathology
Prognosis
Vocal Cord Dysfunction
Vocal Cord Paralysis*
Vocal Cords*
Voice