Electrodiagnosis of the Immobile Vocal Folds

Lee, In Ja

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immobile vocal fold or folds result from neuromuscular pathology and/or mechanical fixation of cricoarytenoid joint. Electrophysiological investigation is indispensible in the diagnosis and treatment of laryngeal mobility disorders. However, laryngeal electrodiagnosis has been rarely performed clinically, not to mention nerve conduction study (NCS). It is well understood that needle EMG and NCS are complementary, and they should be performed together for reliable evaluation of neuromuscular system.
OBJECTIVES
The author intended to present the methods and clinical application of laryngeal electrodiagnosis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Laryngeal electrodiagnosis including needle EMG and NCS was performed in the patient with bilaterally immobile vocal folds.
CONCLUSION
Electrodiagnosis is inevitable in the diagnosis and treatment of larygeal mobility disorders;the differentiation of neurogenic lesion from mechanical fixation, the diagnosis of the site of nerve lesion, and the estimation of the degrees of injuries. Furthermore by performing NCS, we can have the objective prognosticator, and therefore can take the best timing and choice of surgical intervention in the management of laryngeal mobility disorders.