Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
Otolaryngologic presentations of amyotrophic lateralsclerosis
1Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center for Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences, Nashville, TN, USA.
Objectives/Hypothesis:
To determine the incidence of voice disturbance as a presenting symptom of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and describe laryngologic features of ALS.
Study Design:
Retrospective review.
Methods:
Records of patients with voice disturbance at a voice center and ALS patients at a neurology clinic were reviewed from January 1998 to March 2003.
Results:
15 of 1759 patients with voice disturbance were later diagnosed with ALS. Of 220 ALS patients presenting to neurology clinic, 44 had bulbar symptoms and 19 had initially presented to an otolaryngologist. Dysarthria, dysphagia, tongue fasciculation, and incomplete vocal fold closure were common findings. Neuromuscular disease was missed in 8 of 19 ALS patients seen by an otolaryngologist.
Conclusions:
Although otolaryngologists rarely encounter undiagnosed ALS patients, a significant portion of bulbar ALS patients are initially evaluated by otolaryngologists.
Significance:
Vigilance for neuromuscular abnormalities on otolaryngologic exam is important in patients who present with dysarthria, dysphonia, or dysphagia.
Ebm Rating:
C.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Cross-bridge Cycle
01:21Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
01:11Alterations in Muscle Tone lll