Laryngospasm in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• Published in: Muscle & nerve Vol. 65; no. 4; pp. 400 - 404
• Main Authors: Gotesman, Ryan D., Lalonde, Emilie, McKim, Douglas A., Bourque, Pierre R., Warman‐Chardon, Jodi, Zwicker, Jocelyn, Breiner, Ari
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.04.2022; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: ALS; Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; bulbar dysfunction; case series; Cigarette smoking; clinical management; Drinking water; Dyspnea; Frequency variation; Gastroesophageal reflux; laryngospasm; Medical records; Patients; Respiration; Respiratory function; Saliva; Sphincter; Vocal cords; clinical management; ALS; laryngospasm; bulbar dysfunction; case series
• DOI: 10.1002/mus.27466
• ISSN: 0148-639X

Introduction Laryngospasm is an involuntary, sustained closure of sphincter musculature that leads to an unpleasant subjective experience of dyspnea and choking. It is an underreported symptom in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this study we aimed to better characterize the prevalence and clinical characteristics of laryngospasm in ALS patients. Methods The medical records of 571 patients with ALS followed between 2008 and 2018 were searched for evidence of laryngospasm. A total of 23 patients with laryngospasm were identified and the data related to patient and laryngospasm characteristics were extracted. Results Laryngospasm was reported in 4% of ALS patients. Females comprised 57% of patients and their mean age was 63.4 years. Laryngospasm frequently manifested in patients with moderate bulbar dysfunction and seemed independent of respiratory function. Among laryngospasm patients, 26% were cigarette smokers and 13% had a history of gastroesophageal reflux. The most common reported trigger was excessive saliva irritating the vocal cords (35%) followed by eating a meal (17%). There was significant variation in laryngospasm frequency (up to 5 per hour) and duration (seconds to minutes). Most patients could not identify an effective coping mechanism, although 13% reported that drinking water was effective. Discussion Despite its low prevalence in ALS, laryngospasm should be included in the symptom inquiry. The present findings may improve patient care through increased recognition of the clinical features of laryngospasm in ALS patients, identifying a link between laryngospasm and moderate bulbar dysfunction, and highlighting trigger avoidance as a management strategy. Additional research is required to understand the pathophysiology and optimal treatment. See Editorial on pages 367‐368 in this issue.