Laryngeal Electromyography

Area of Science:

• Neurolaryngology
• Diagnostic tools
• Clinical trials

Background:

• Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is crucial for diagnosing and managing laryngeal disorders.
• Recent clinical trials have focused on advancing LEMG applications and interpretation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) over the past five years.
• To highlight the expanding role of LEMG in diagnosing vocal fold paralysis and other laryngeal conditions.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical trials and published literature on Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) from the last 5 years.
• Analysis of studies focusing on diagnostic accuracy, prognostic value, and new applications of LEMG.

Main Results:

• Standardized LEMG performance guidelines have been established, improving result comparability.
• LEMG applications have expanded beyond the thyroarytenoid muscle to include the posterior cricoarytenoid and cricothyroid muscles.
• Multichannel LEMG enables intraoperative nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery.

Conclusions:

• LEMG is a valuable tool for differentiating functional from organic laryngeal disorders, primarily vocal fold paralysis.
• LEMG provides crucial prognostic information for vocal fold paralysis recovery.
• Emerging applications include laryngeal pacing, guided injections, and electrostimulation.