[Abnormal movements of the larynx. Diagnostic approach and therapeutic perspectives]

Laryngeal movement disorders of neurological cause are actually misunderstood. In the course of chorea, or tardive post neuroleptic dyskinesia, vocal, swallowing for threatening breathing troubles could occur. Ten patients with generalized dyskinesias were studied by endoscopy with flexible laryngoscope and laryngeal electromyogram. Four of them were choreic and six had tardive dyskinesia (one had a severe breathing disorder). Nine patients had abnormal movement disorders (MD) involving intrinsic laryngeal musculature. MD were spontaneous or were triggered by vocalization. These facts suggest that dyskinesia as they involved the upper airway tract could be life threatening. Laryngeal electromyography is a useful method for diagnosis and treatment of these dyskinesia. As in spasmodic dysphonia, botulinum toxin could be helpful in this local treatment.