The role of electromyography in cases of vocal cord paralysis

Several pathologies can involve muscles that control vocal folds. The abnormality can affect peripheral nerves or central nervous system centers. Clinically, muscle function can be assessed by observing the movement of structures themselves or by recording electrical activity of these muscles using...

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Published inGaceta médica de México Vol. 144; no. 4; pp. 303 - 308
Main Authors Ysunza-Rivera, Antonio, Landeros, Luis, Pamplona, María Carmen, Silva-Rojas, Jesús Andrés, Prado-Calleros, Héctor M, Fajardo-Dolci, Germán E
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Mexico 01.07.2008
Subjects
Adolescent
Adult
Electromyography
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Vocal Cord Paralysis - physiopathology
Young Adult
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Summary:Several pathologies can involve muscles that control vocal folds. The abnormality can affect peripheral nerves or central nervous system centers. Clinically, muscle function can be assessed by observing the movement of structures themselves or by recording electrical activity of these muscles using (electromyography-EMG). Since EMG is an invasive technique, its use is not very widespread in the diagnosis and management of voice disorders, Laryngeal EMG can be helpful in those patients with voice problems of suspected neurological or neuromuscular etiology. Assess the role of laryngeal EMG in the clinical evaluation of unilateral vocal cord immobility. Twenty-five patients with unilateral vocal cord paralysis were studied. Twenty-five patients with unilateral arytenoid dislocation were studied as controls. The sensitivity and specificity of the EMG as a diagnostic marker for vocal fold paralysis were obtained. Laryngeal EMG showed a 100% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Only two patients displaying arytenoid dislocation displayed abnormal EMG recordings. EMG constitutes a safe and reliable tool to aid the evaluation of patients with vocal fold immobility. EMG recordings were helpful in differentiating vocal cord paralysis from arytenoid dislocation. Moreover, EMG can provide useful data regarding denervation and reinnervation of laryngeal muscles. Aside from its diagnostic usefulness, serial EMG can help to monitor recovery and establish a reliable prognosis. Hence, an adequate treatment plan can be determined.
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ISSN:0016-3813