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Laryngeal function in postpolio patients
Author(s) -
Driscoll Brian P.,
Gracco Carol,
Tierney Elizabeth,
Sasaki Clarence T.,
Coelho Carl,
Goldstein Jonathan,
Oshima Kiyoshi
Publication year - 1995
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-199501000-00010
Subject(s) - medicine , laryngeal paralysis , dysphagia , swallowing , electromyography , larynx , paralysis , poliomyelitis , weakness , surgery , physical medicine and rehabilitation , pediatrics
Of the 250,000 survivors of the polio epidemics, approximately 25% experience progressive muscle weakness known as postpolio syndrome (PPS). Laryngeal function in postpolio patients previously has not been studied. This paper presents data detailing laryngeal function in a group of postpolio patients who had been evaluated for swallowing complaints. Nine patients underwent comprehensive history and physical exam, acoustical voice analysis, and laryngeal videostroboscopic endoscopy. Three patients underwent laryngeal electromyography (EMG) evaluation. Results indicated some degree of phonatory or laryngeal deficit in all subjects. Subjects with dysphagia also demonstrated vocal fold paralysis. EMG revealed decreased recruitment and increased amplitude, findings consistent with EMG studies in skeletal muscle in postpolio patients. Results suggest that postpolio patients who complain of swallowing difficulties are at risk for laryngeal pathology.