Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
12:43
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Published on: February 21, 2011
[Psychogenic aphonia. A challenging diagnosis?].
1Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Kirrberger Str. 1/Gebäude 6, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Deutschland.
HNO
|August 3, 2013
Summary
Delayed diagnosis of psychogenic aphonia is common, averaging 9 weeks. Unnecessary tests and treatments prolong the time to correct diagnosis and effective therapy for this voice disorder.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Context:
- Psychogenic aphonia presents a diagnostic challenge in clinical practice.
- Delayed diagnosis impacts patient outcomes and treatment initiation.
Purpose:
- To analyze the time interval from symptom onset to diagnosis in psychogenic aphonia.
- To identify factors contributing to delayed diagnosis.
Summary:
- Retrospective study of 14 female patients with psychogenic aphonia.
- Mean diagnostic delay was 9 weeks (range 1-32 weeks).
- Many patients underwent unnecessary investigations and treatments, including antibiotics, before correct diagnosis.
Impact:
- Confirms that over-diagnosis and ineffective treatments significantly delay psychogenic aphonia diagnosis.
- Highlights the need for timely and accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate causal treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Prosopagnosia
Prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, is the inability to recognize faces. In severe cases, individuals with prosopagnosia may not recognize close family members, including parents and spouses, by their faces. For instance, someone with prosopagnosia might walk past their child in a crowd, only realizing their mistake upon noticing their child's distinctive backpack or favorite jacket. Prosopagnosia specifically impairs facial recognition, while the recognition of other objects or...
01:31Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation
In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
01:27Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal achalasia is a chronic neurogenic disorder characterized by impaired relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and absent or ineffective peristalsis in the distal esophagus. This leads to a functional obstruction without a physical blockage, despite significant disruption of esophageal motility.EtiologyAchalasia is caused by degeneration of the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus, specifically the loss of inhibitory ganglion cells that produce vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)...
01:21Larynx
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
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...
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...
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:17Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia, a term introduced by Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler in 1911, describes a severe psychological disorder marked by profound disruptions in attention, thought processes, language, emotion, and interpersonal relationships. The core feature of schizophrenia is psychosis — a state characterized by a fundamental detachment from reality. This disconnection manifests through distorted logic, impaired perception, and atypical behavior, severely affecting the lives of those diagnosed.