Laryngostroboscopy and voice evaluation in adult patients with Parkinson s disease

Abstract

Introduction: Most patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) present tongue, larynx and pharynx disorders, affecting voice and speech. Objective: To evaluate the laryngeal manifestations of PD. Methods: Evaluation of 18 PD patients conducted between January 2011 and December 2012. Patients were evaluated through videolaryngostroboscopy, auditory perceptual analysis of the voice using the GIRBAS scale, acoustic voice analysis, and application of the Vocal Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire. Results: Dysphonia and vocal fatigue were referred by 72.22 and 33.3% of the patients, respectively, whereas changes during laryngoscopy were verified in 94.44%. The medians of the acoustic voice analysis and the VHI self-assessment questionnaire were unchanged. The median of the VHI emotional domain was higher among patients who presented open phase closure, with statistically significant difference (p=0.029). Conclusion: Patients with PD present laryngeal and voice changes.