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Repetitive phonatory tasks for identifying vocal fold paresis
Adam D Rubin1, Veeraphol Praneetvatakul, Yolanda Heman-Ackah
1Lakeshore Professional Voice Center, Lakeshore Ear, Nose, & Throat Center, St. Clair Shores, MI, USA.
Journal of Voice : Official Journal of the Voice Foundation
|November 23, 2005
Summary
Repetitive phonatory tasks (RPTs) can help identify subtle vocal fold paresis in patients with voice complaints. However, predictions based on the entire examination are more accurate than RPTs alone, with laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) confirming findings.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurolaryngology
- Speech Science
Background:
- Vocal fold paresis is a potential cause of voice complaints.
- Accurate identification of vocal fold paresis is crucial for appropriate neurolaryngologic evaluation and treatment.
- Repetitive phonatory tasks (RPTs) can induce vocal fatigue, potentially revealing subtle signs of paresis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of repetitive phonatory tasks (RPTs) in identifying vocal fold paresis.
- To compare the accuracy of predictions based on RPTs with overall examination findings and laryngeal electromyography (LEMG).
Main Methods:
- Four laryngologists independently reviewed RPT portions of fiberoptic voice examinations from 100 patients with voice complaints.
- Patients were suspected of having a laryngeal movement disorder and referred for LEMG.
- Predictions were compared against LEMG results and initial clinical evaluations.
Main Results:
- While RPTs are useful, predictions derived from the entire fiberoptic examination were more accurate in identifying vocal fold paresis.
- LEMG proved effective in confirming clinical suspicions of paresis.
- LEMG also identified cases of paresis that were potentially missed during the fiberoptic examination.
Conclusions:
- Repetitive phonatory tasks can aid in the detection of subtle vocal fold paresis.
- Comprehensive fiberoptic voice examinations provide more accurate diagnostic predictions than RPTs alone.
- Laryngeal electromyography remains a valuable tool for confirming suspected vocal fold paresis and identifying cases missed on initial examination.