The Value of Laryngeal Electromyography in the Evaluation of Laryngeal Motion Abnormalities

Yolanda D. Heman-Ackah, Arlene Barr

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Summary: Laryngeal electromyography (EMG) functions routinely as a prognostic tool in the evaluation of vocal fold paralysis, as a guide for therapeutic injections into the laryngeal muscles, and more recently as an assessment tool in the evaluation of vocal fold paresis. This study investigates the clinical utility of laryngeal EMG as a diagnostic aid in the evaluation of movement disorders of the larynx in patients complaining of dysphonia. A retrospective chart review of all laryngeal EMGs performed at a tertiary laryngology referral center over a 13-month period was performed. All laryngeal EMGs were performed to evaluate laryngeal motion abnormalities in dysphonic patients. Thirty-seven laryngeal EMGs were completed during this study period. Analysis of the data revealed that the medical treatment plan changed as a result of findings on laryngeal EMG in 10/37 patients (27.0%); laryngeal EMG guided and/or confirmed the course of treatment in 12/37 patients (32.4%) and did not change the treatment plan in 15/37 patients (40.5%). Laryngeal EMG is a useful diagnostic tool that, in this study, contributed significantly to and helped guide the evaluation and management of motion disorders in the larynx of dysphonic patients.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)452-460
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Voice
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dysphonia
  • Dystonia
  • Laryngeal electromyography
  • Larynx
  • Movement disorder
  • Muscle tension dysphonia
  • Myoclonus
  • Paralysis
  • Paresis
  • Tremor
  • electromyography (EMG)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Speech and Hearing
  • LPN and LVN
  • Otorhinolaryngology

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