[Electrophysiological diagnosis of the caudal cranial nerves]

The lower cranial nerves (CN. IX-XII) are responsible for the nerve supply of the pharyngolaryngeal region. Loss of innervation is manifested by dysphagia, aspiration, altered speech production, dyspnea and/or stridor, and visible loss of movement. In general electrophysiological testing should be applied in every kind of paresis. Beside standard equipment for electromyography limited special equipment is necessary. Examination under local anaesthesia is possible and can serve as a basis for therapeutic consequences. In this article general aspects as seen from an oto-rhino-laryngological standpoint are presented.