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Laryngeal evoked brainstem responses in humans: a preliminary study
S S Yin1, W W Qiu, F J Stucker
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Louisiana State University Medical Center in Shreveport, 71130-3932, U.S.A.
The Laryngoscope
|September 18, 1997
Summary
Researchers developed a central laryngeal function test using laryngeal evoked brainstem responses (LBRs). This noninvasive method, stimulating the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN), shows reproducible waveforms for understanding neurolaryngologic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Otolaryngology
- Auditory Neuroscience
Background:
- Understanding neurolaryngologic disorders requires effective diagnostic tools.
- Current methods for assessing central laryngeal pathways are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a central laryngeal function test using laryngeal evoked brainstem responses (LBRs).
- To enhance the understanding of neurolaryngologic disorders through LBR analysis.
- To establish a noninvasive method for evaluating the central laryngeal pathway.
Main Methods:
- Recording laryngeal evoked brainstem responses (LBRs) in normal human subjects.
- Utilizing vibratory stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve (SLN).
- Verifying waveform reproducibility by blocking the SLN and anesthetizing the hypopharyngeal cavity.
Main Results:
- The human LBR comprises five positive and five negative peaks.
- Waveforms were reproducible within 10 ms following SLN stimulation.
- Peak 5 morphology and latency in humans mirrored findings from animal LBR experiments.
Conclusions:
- Vibratory stimulation of the SLN is a noninvasive technique to elicit far-field potentials from the central laryngeal pathway.
- LBRs show promise as a diagnostic tool for neurolaryngologic disorders.
- Further research is warranted to establish normative data and clinical correlations for LBRs.