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Published on: December 13, 2017
Laryngeal tremor: co-occurrence with other movement disorders
D Wolraich1, C Vasile Marchis-Crisan, N Redding
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. David.Wolraich @ uphs.upenn.edu
Summary
Most patients with laryngeal tremor (LT) also have other movement disorders. Early consideration of co-occurring conditions like spasmodic dysphonia and essential tremor is crucial for comprehensive patient care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Laryngeal tremor (LT) is an involuntary muscle contraction affecting the larynx, often presenting with other movement disorders.
- Epidemiologic data on the co-occurrence of LT with other tremors and movement disorders are limited.
- Essential tremor is defined as tremor not associated with parkinsonism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of other movement disorders in patients diagnosed with laryngeal tremor.
- To analyze the types of co-occurring movement disorders in LT patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 29 patients with LT.
- Data collected over a 5-year period (January 2004 - April 2009) from a voice clinic.
- Analysis of co-existing movement disorders.
Main Results:
- A high co-occurrence rate of 93% for other movement disorders was observed in LT patients.
- Commonly associated disorders included spasmodic dysphonia (45%), oropharyngeal tremors (41%), and essential limb tremor (38%).
- Orofacial dystonias (31%) and essential head and neck tremor (24%) were also frequent; Parkinson's disease was rare (3%).
Conclusions:
- Otolaryngologists frequently encounter patients with tremors and may be the first to identify LT.
- It is essential to consider and assess for other co-existing movement disorders in patients with LT.
- Neurologic evaluation and treatment of associated movement disorders can significantly benefit patients with LT.
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