Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Minimally Invasive Murine Laryngoscopy for Close-Up Imaging of Laryngeal Motion During Breathing and Swallowing
Published on: December 1, 2023
Management of vocal paralysis: a comparison of adult and pediatric practices
Stacey L Ishman1, Stacey L Halum, Nalin J Patel
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins Hospitals, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA. sishmanI@jhmi.edu
Objective:
To compare practices of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) membership regarding the evaluation and management of unilateral vocal fold motion impairment (UVFMI) in adult versus pediatric populations.
Study Design And Setting:
An 18-item adult survey and 16-item pediatric survey were administered to ABEA members.
Results:
Seventy-six adult (31%) and 35 pediatric surveys (43%) were completed. Key differences are highlighted. With respect to etiology, the most common reported childhood cause is idiopathic; adults more often suffer iatrogenic paralysis. Children more commonly experience reflux disease, feeding difficulties, and choking. Preferred testing involves flexible laryngoscopy and chest x-ray; however, laboratory tests are carried out less often in children (51% vs 71%) and medical intervention is advocated by fewer pediatric practitioners (39% vs 57%).
Conclusion:
Significant disparities exist in the etiology, presenting symptoms, diagnostic testing, and medical treatment between children and adults with UVFMI.
Significance:
Clinicians' perceptions regarding UVFMI may reflect the differing impact of vocal paralysis in the pediatric versus adult populations.
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