Adduction Of Vocal Cords Research Articles

Age differences in inducible laryngeal obstruction in adult populations

BackgroundWhereas differences in inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) presentation on the basis of age have been observed within pediatric populations, age-based differences in adult populations are lacking. ObjectiveTo describe differences in ILO on the basis of age in adults. MethodsPatients aged older than 16 years with confirmed ILO (vocal cord adduction > 50% during inspiration) by means of provocation-challenge rhinolaryngoscopy by their treating allergist were included. An investigator-designed questionnaire was administered using Research Electronic Data Capture with corresponding medical data collection. χ2 tests, Student's t tests, analysis of variance, Cochran-Armitage test for trend, and Fisher's exact test were used. ResultsThe median age of the 67 patients was 50 years. P values less than .05 were considered significant. Those aged younger than 50 years (n = 31; mean age 35.6 years) reported more symptoms vs age 50 years and older (n = 36; mean age 61.8 years), including shortness of breath at rest and exertion (84% vs 39%, 94% vs 72%), throat tightness (81% vs 50%), chest tightness (81% vs 47%), and difficulty getting air in (81% vs 56%). Those aged younger than 50 years had an increased history of anxiety (68% vs 33%), asthma (55% vs 31%), positive methacholine challenge (52% vs 22%), increasing triggers with time (87% vs 43%), higher Pittsburgh Vocal Cord Dysfunction Index Scores (6.9 vs 5.5), and inspiratory curve flattening (48% vs 24%). Additional age-based subdivisions confirmed significant trends with the lowest reported ILO characteristics and symptoms in those aged 65 years and older. ConclusionA high index of suspicion for ILO should be maintained in older adults since they may report less typical ILO symptoms and anxiety associations that prompt ILO evaluation.

Revisiting the "Puffed Cheek" Technique: Advantages, Fallacies, and Potential Solutions.

The "puffed cheek" technique is routinely performed during CT neck studies in patients with suspected oral cavity cancers. The insufflation of air within the oral vestibule helps in the detection of small buccal mucosal lesions, with better delineation of lesion origin, depth, and extent of spread. The pitfalls associated with this technique are often underrecognized and poorly understood. They can mimic actual lesions, forfeiting the technique's primary purpose. This review provides an overview of the puffed cheek technique and its associated pitfalls. These pitfalls include pneumoparotid, soft palate elevation that resembles a nasopharyngeal mass, various tongue displacements or distortions that obscure tongue lesions or mimic them, sublingual gland herniation, an apparent exacerbation of the airway edema, vocal cord adduction that hinders glottic evaluation, and false indications of osteochondronecrosis in laryngeal cartilage. Most stem from a common underlying mechanism of unintentional Valsalva maneuver engaged in by the patient while trying to perform a puffed cheek, creating a closed air column under positive pressure with resultant surrounding soft-tissue displacement. These pitfalls can thus be avoided by instructing the patient to maintain continuous nasal breathing while puffing out their cheek during image acquisition, preventing the formation of the closed air column. Keywords: CT, Head/Neck © RSNA, 2024.

Vocal Cord Monitoring by Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy During Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation.

Introduction: Thermal injury to recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can produce temporary or permanent vocal cord paralysis.1 Hydrodissection with cold 5% glucose of "danger triangle" protects RLN during RFA.2 When RFA is performed under local anesthesia, RLN function is monitored by patients producing vocal sounds.3 Large lesions requiring longer RFAs warrant general sedation where voice cannot be assessed, therefore, an additional technique for RLN protection is advisable. Observation of passive symmetrical vocal cord movements during breathing by laryngeal ultrasonography is useful in assessing vocal cord function4; however, flexible-fiberoptic fibrolaringoscopy (FFL) is gold standard for assessing vocal cord movements,5 anticipating potential RLN damage. We report FFL monitoring during RFA under general sedation on a large thyroid nodule. FFL during RFA may detect RLN irritation and dysfunction if asymmetry in passive vocal cord movements is noted. Should asymmetry appear, RFA operator stops delivering energy and repositions electrode needle. Materials and Methods: Thyroid function tests, blood glucose, creatinine, transaminase, International-Normalized-Ratio, and electrocardiogram were performed. Operating room (OR) layout created sufficient space for ear-nose-throat (ENT) and RFA operators. An examination with a fiberscope camera demonstrated normal vocal cord adduction during phonation and abduction during breathing. The procedure was assisted by an anesthetist administering fentanyl 50 mcg, midazolam 1.5 to 5.0 mg, and propofol infusion 2 mg/(kg·h). General sedation was conducted so that reflexes were attenuated but still observable. Incorporating in OR by an anesthetist who performs general sedation reduces side effects and complications.6 Ultrasonography showed a 34-mL right lobe nodule abutting on the RLN area. After sedation with propofol, the ENT specialist inserted an endoscope until the glottic plane. During calm breathing, vocal cords moved symmetrically. After obtaining anterior nodule hydrodissection from strap and sternocleidomastoid muscles with 10 mL of 2% lidocaine, posterior hydrodissection was achieved by ultrasound-guided administration of 30 mL of 5% cold glucose. Anterior and posterior hydrodissections merged, separating nodule from neck structures. The radiofrequency electrode needle was then inserted into the nodule, initially positioned in inferior nodule portion adjacent to danger triangle previously isolated by hydrodissection. Initial power was 30 watts. Moving-shot technique was used. Results: FFL was performed throughout thyroid RFA. Symmetric vocal cord movements during breathing demonstrated no RLN irritation. FFL monitoring allowed observation of natural reflexive phenomena, including swallowing. Complete nodule ablation was achieved. FFL performed post-RFA confirmed normal vocal cord motility. Conclusions: We report the first-time use of FFL for vocal cord monitoring during RFA. FFL was easily performed by the ENT specialist and well tolerated by the patient. Avoiding danger triangle and precise RFA needle positioning is key in preventing RLN injury. Benign nodules regrow if total ablation is not achieved7 and some authors propose additional procedures to complete ablation8 that obviously incurs costs. Total RFA nodule ablation-assisted FFL monitoring eliminates the need for repetitive RFAs, thus reducing overall treatment costs. Finally, FFL monitoring does not prolong procedure, as it is performed simultaneously with RFA. FFL is a valid technique when used in conjunction with hydrodissection to further prevent RLN thermal injury during RFA, especially indicated for large thyroid nodule ablation and professional voice users. Patient Consent and Permission: The patient provided written consent for FFL monitoring and permission to use his portrayals and ultrasonographic images during RFA. The study was completed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki as revised in 2013. Adherence to institutional review board protocols was granted. Disclaimer: Representation of any instrumentation within the video does not indicate any endorsement of the product and/or company by the publisher, the American Thyroid Association, or the authors. No competing financial interests exist. Runtime of video: 9 mins 39 secs.

Management of vagus nerve simulation therapy in the peri-operative period: Guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists: Guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists.

Vagus nerve stimulation is a well-established treatment option for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy and has an expanding range of other clinical indications. Side effects of vagus nerve stimulation therapy include: cough; voice changes; vocal cord adduction; rarely, obstructive sleep apnoea; and arrhythmia. Patients with implanted vagus nerve stimulation devices may present for unrelated surgery and critical care to clinicians who are unfamiliar with their function and safe management. These guidelines have been formulated by multidisciplinary consensus based on case reports, case series and expert opinion to support clinicians in the management of patients with these devices. The aim is to provide specific guidance on the management of vagus nerve stimulation devices in the following scenarios: the peri-operative period; peripartum period; during critical illness; and in the MRI suite. Patients should be aware of the importance of carrying their personal vagus nerve stimulation device magnet with them at all times to facilitate urgent device deactivation if necessary. We advise that it is generally safer to formally deactivate vagus nerve stimulation devices before general and spinal anaesthesia. During periods of critical illness associated with haemodynamic instability, we also advise cessation of vagus nerve stimulation and early consultation with neurology services.

Predictors of voice therapy efficacy in vocal cord dysfunction at a tertiary care center

ObjectiveVocal cord dysfunction is inappropriate adduction of vocal cords during inspiration that causes dyspnea and is commonly mistaken for exercise-induced asthma. To improve diagnostic accuracy, this study aims to identify demographics associated with vocal cord dysfunction and to determine their impact on the efficacy of voice therapy in improving vocal cord function. Study designRetrospective chart review. SettingSingle tertiary care institution between January 2015 and December 2021. Methods184 patients who underwent voice therapy for vocal cord dysfunction were included. The primary outcome was patient self-reported percent improvement of symptoms. The secondary outcome was number of voice therapy treatments. ResultsThe mean duration of symptoms was 2 ± 3 years. The mean number of voice therapy treatments was 2.2 ± 1.5. Of the 107 (58.2 %) patients with documented perceived breathing improvement percentages recorded, the mean maximal percent improvement was 72.5 ± 21.5 %. Mean maximal percent improvement of symptoms increased with each voice therapy treatment (p = 0.01). This association remained significant when controlling for comorbid conditions such as allergic rhinitis with postnasal drip, anxiety, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease in multivariate analysis (p = 0.005). Patients with asthma had significantly higher maximum percent breathing improvement compared to those without asthma (p = 0.026). Similarly, patients who played sports had significantly higher maximum percent breathing improvement compared to those who did not (p = 0.022). ConclusionPatient perceived breathing improvement with voice therapy is higher among those with concomitant asthma and those who play sports. Voice therapy is a safe and effective first line treatment of vocal cord dysfunction even when controlling for comorbid conditions.

Hypertrophic olivary degeneration associated with bilateral vocal cord adductor dystonia

BackgroundHypertrophic olivary degeneration (HOD) is a rare condition caused by lesions within the dentato-rubro-olivary pathway, resulting in ocular nystagmus and palatal myoclonus (oculopalatal tremor) but not usually dystonia. Dystonia is an uncommon association, and we present the first reported association of hypertrophic olivary degeneration with bilateral vocal cord dystonia.Case presentationA 33 year old male presented initially with acute hydrocephalus on the background of previous ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting for previously treated medulloblastoma. After revision of the VP shunt, the patient developed progressive hiccups and stridor leading to respiratory failure requiring intubation. Ocular pendular nystagmus and palatal myoclonus at 3 Hz was observed. Flexible nasendoscopy (FNE) demonstrated bilateral tonic adduction of the vocal folds with 3 Hz coarse supraglottic, pharyngeal and palatal rhythmic myoclonus. MRI imaging demonstrated T2 hyperintensity within the bilateral inferior olivary nuclei consistent with stage 3 radiological HOD.ConclusionsDystonia is a rarely reported phenomenon in HOD but is not unexpected with the inferior olivary nucleus implicated in dystonic disorders. We report the association of HOD with bilateral vocal cord adductor dystonia, a potentially life threatening condition.

Thyroid Rupture Secondary to Blunt Neck Trauma: A Case Report

Aim To discuss the clinical presentation of thyroid rupture following blunt neck trauma and highlight key management principles for the case. Methods A 45-year-old female motorcycle passenger with a pre-existing right thyroid nodule hit her right anterior neck against a bottle during sudden stop and developed painful right neck swelling, odynophagia, and hoarseness. She was seen at the emergency room 5 hours post-injury, awake, cooperative, and ambulatory, without stridor or dyspnea at room air. On examination, she had ecchymoses behind her right tonsillar pillars; her neck was grossly swollen and was tender on palpation without subcutaneous emphysema. Laryngoscopy showed good left vocal cord mobility while the right vocal cord had a visible hemorrhage and limited abduction due to the mass effect of the hematoma seen at the right aryepiglottic area extending toward the right piriform fossa and the right parapharyngeal area. Intact bilateral vocal cord adduction was noted upon phonation. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed hematoma formation in the right thyroid lobe area with extension to the right side of the oropharyngeal region, anterior cervical, parapharyngeal, and retropharyngeal space, confirming the aerodigestive tract narrowing and leftward deviation previously noted. Baseline thyroid function tests were normal. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent neck exploration where the ruptured right thyroid lobe was resected, and the hematoma was evacuated. Results Postoperatively noted significant improvement in neck swelling, odynophagia, and hoarseness. Transient subclinical hyperthyroidism remained asymptomatic and resolved upon outpatient follow-up. A year after the surgery, the patient had a well-healed cervical scar, complete hematoma resolution, and regained her pre-morbid phonation. Conclusion Thyroid gland rupture should be among the considerations for patients presenting with tender neck swelling, progressive hoarseness, and/or dyspnea following neck trauma. Prompt airway assessment and close monitoring for potential compromise are essential to avoid fatal sequelae of external airway compression. Management varies from close observation to surgical neck exploration and should be personalized depending on the severity of thyroid injury and symptomatology.

Multidisciplinary approach to an adolescent with vocal cord dysfunction: case report

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD) causes improper adduction of vocal cords resulting in audible wheezing and stridor over the larynx. The etiology of VCD is not clear, however, it has been viewed as a complex and heterogeneous disorder in which psychogenic factors might also have a critical role. We present the 14-years-old female with VCD, asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Her condition was resistant to medical treatment and speech therapy. A psychiatric evaluation revealed that several dynamics consistent with somatic symptom disorder. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) oriented 5 sessions of intervention resulted in symptom relief successfully. Child and adolescent psychiatrists can play a facilitating role in the optimal treatment of VCD regarding the multifactorial aspects of the condition.

Intubation difficulty scale contributors and time delay in clinical practice.

The intubation difficulty scale (IDS) includes 7 contributors that provide a comprehensive assessment of difficult intubation. However, the effect of each contributor is unclear, and the scale has not been revalidated recently and has not been validated in orient. This study determined the duration of successful intubation (DSI) for each of these 7 contributors.The patients were intubated by attending anesthesiologists. The duration and other data were recorded by 2 research assistants. Anaesthesiologists reported the IDS and their perceptions. A linear mixed-effects model with a DSI was constructed using IDS factors.In total, 1095 patients were enrolled. The average DSI was 23.9 ± 21.8 seconds (37.1% IDS = 0). All 7 factors were independently associated with duration, with the exception of vocal cord adduction. The best model was as follows: DSI (in seconds) = 15.2 + 31.1 (number of additional attempts) + 26.2 (number of additional operators) + 11.4 (number of alternative techniques) + 7.9 (increased lift force) + 4.9 (external laryngeal pressure) + 3.5 (Cormack grade 1). The mixed models were similar except for the regression coefficient for the number of alternative techniques that decreased from 11.4 to 6.9 seconds.We confirmed that each IDS contributor affects the DSI and validated a prediction model with 6 IDS contributors. This prediction model may facilitate the development of strategic plans for critical airway management. Furthermore, it could improve simulations and monitor learning progress and help provide valuable feedback.

Distraction Breathing Exercise in Managing Inducible Laryngeal Obstruction in a Female Patient.

Inducible laryngeal obstruction (ILO) describes as inappropriate, episodic, reversible laryngeal closure during inspiration, occurring at the glottic and/or supraglottic level, in response to external triggers causing exertional breathing difficulties. We describe a case of a female patient with an underlying major depressive disorder who presented with sudden onset of stridor and tachypnoea, whereby the external trigger was psychogenic in origin. Bedside flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (FNPLS) showed characteristic findings of paradoxical adduction of vocal cords during inspiration. Arterial blood gas analysis, routine blood tests, chest radiography, and computed tomography (CT) scan of brain, neck, and thorax excluded neurological or airway abnormality. Bedside distraction breathing exercise alleviated the stridor and tachypnoea. The patient was managed by supportive psychotherapy, speech therapy, and anti-reflux medication and was discharged well with resolution of her respiratory distress. We would like to highlight that meticulous history along with physical examinations are imperative especially amongst Otorhinolaryngologists as emergent airway management tracheostomy would have been unnecessary and cause more stress and burden to the patient as well as family members.

Structure and Function of the Vocal Cords after Airway Reconstruction on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Objectives/HypothesisDysphonia is a common problem at long‐term follow‐up after airway surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) with major impact on quality of life. Dysphonia after LTS can be caused by scar tissue from initial stenosis along with anatomical alterations after surgery. There is need for a modality to noninvasively image structure and function of the reconstructed upper airways including the vocal cords to assess voice outcome and possible treatment after LTS. Our objective was to correlate vocal cord structure and function of patients after airway reconstruction for LTS on static and dynamic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to voice outcome.Study DesignProspective cohort study.MethodsVoice outcome was assessed by voice questionnaires ((pediatric) Voice Handicap Index (p)VHI)) and the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI). Postsurgical anatomy, airway lumen, and vocal cord thickness and movement on multiplanar static high‐resolution MRI and dynamic acquisitions during phonation was correlated to voice outcome.ResultsForty‐eight patients (age 14.4 (range 7.5–30.7) years) and 11 healthy volunteers (15.9 (8.2–28.8) years) were included. Static MRI demonstrated vocal cord thickening in 80.9% of patients, correlated to a decrease in DSI (expected odds 0.75 [C.I. 0.58–0.96] P = .02). Dynamic MRI showed impaired vocal cord adduction during phonation in 61.7% of patients, associated with a lower DSI score (0.65 [C.I. 0.48–0.88] P = .006).ConclusionsIn LTS patients, after airway reconstruction MRI can safely provide excellent structural and functional detail of the vocal cords correlating to DSI, with further usefulness expected from technical refinements. We therefore suggest MRI as a tool for extensive imaging during LTS follow‐up.Level of evidence3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2402–E2408, 2021

Recent Developments of Intraoperative Neuromonitoring in Thyroidectomy.

At present, intraoperative neuromonitorization (IONM) with surface electrode-based endotracheal tube (ETT) is a standard method in thyroidectomy and can be performed either intermittently IONM (I-IONM) or continuously IONM (C-IONM). Despite the valuable contribution of I-IONM to the thyroidectomy, it still has limitations regarding the recording electrodes and stimulation probe. New approaches for overcoming the limitations of I-IONM and developing the method are taking attention. Most of the technical issues of IONM with surface electrode-based ETT are related with inadequate contact of electrodes to the vocal cords. Nowadays, efficiency of various recording electrodes is under investigation. Recording electrodes such as needle electrodes applied to thyroarytenoid or posterior cricoarytenoid muscle (PCA), surface electrodes applied to the PCA, and needle or adhesive electrodes applied to the tracheal cartilage or skin, can make safe recordings similar to the ETT electrodes. Despite their invasiveness, needle electrodes record higher electromyography (EMG) amplitudes than tube electrodes do. Adhesive surface electrodes make safe EMG recordings, although amplitudes of these electrodes are usually lower than those of the tube electrodes. These different types of electrodes are less affected by tracheal manipulations and amplitude changes are lower compared to the tube electrodes.During C-IONM, an additional stimulation probe is applied to the vagus nerve after dissecting the nerve circumferentially. Recently, without applying a probe, a new continuous monitorization method called laryngeal adductor reflex CIONM (LAR-CIONM) using sensorial, central, and motor components of LAR arch which is an automatic, primitive brainstem reflex protecting the tracheoesophageal tree from foreign body aspiration, has been implemented. Afferent track of LAR communicates laryngeal mucosa to the brainstem by internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and efferent track reaches larynx through recurrent laryngeal nerve. Total outcome of LAR activation is the closure of laryngeal entry by bilateral vocal cord adduction. In LAR-CIONM, a stimulus is given by an electrode from one side of surface electrode-based ETT and amplitude response of the LAR at the vocal cord is followed on the operation side. Recently, it has been reported that real-time EMG response can be obtained with stimulation probe cables applied to dissectors or energy devices during the dissection through I-IONM.

The Increase Level of Muscle Adductor in Idiopathic Vocal Cord Adductor Paralysis Post Biofeedback Vocal Therapy

Background: The Idiopathic Vocal Cord Adductor Paralysis (KAKVI) is the inability of muscle that moves the vocalist notochord to medial in phonation time with the idiopathic. This condition might has impact to the emerge of hoarse voice and other lamentations which are related to the voice production. The conventional voice therapy still show the number of the recovery of low dysphonia. Method: The diagnosis of KAKVI is based on the anamnesis, physical check up, thorax photograph and laryngoscopy fiberoptic and is conducted the measurement of vocalist cord adductor muscular construction strength before the BF voice therapy with equipments. Then, the BF voice therapy is conducted twice a week for four weeks. The voice exercise is continued in home once a day by patients themselves. The measurement of the strength of vocalist cord adductor muscle contraction is conducted after the BF voice therapy. Results: The result of the study revealed that there were KAKVI. The result of adductor muscular contraction strength with statistic examination in a short test is p = 0,044. . The result of statistic examination of long a is p=0,000. . The result of statistic test of count test is p=0,000. Therefore, the change of adductor muscular contraction strength on KAKVI after the BF voice therapy is found a significant increase (p < 0,05). Conclusion: This study revealed that there are an increase of adductor muscular contraction strength in KAKVI after the BF voice therapy.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Analysis of 27 Cases and Updated Review of Pathophysiology & Management.

Introduction Vocal cord dysfunction is characterized by unintentional paradoxical vocal cord movement resulting in abnormal inappropriate adduction, especially during inspiration; this predominantly manifests as unresponsive asthma or unexplained stridor. It is prudent to be well informed about the condition, since the primary presentation may mask other airway disorders. Objective This descriptive study was intended to analyze presentations of vocal cord dysfunction in a tertiary care referral hospital. The current understanding regarding the pathophysiology and management of the condition were also explored. Methods A total of 27 patients diagnosed with vocal cord dysfunction were analyzed based on demographic characteristics, presentations, associations and examination findings. The mechanism of causation, etiological factors implicated, diagnostic considerations and treatment options were evaluated by analysis of the current literature. Results There was a strong female predilection noted among the study population ( n = 27), which had a mean age of 31. The most common presentations were stridor (44%) and refractory asthma (41%). Laryngopharyngeal reflux disease was the most common association in the majority (66%) of the patients, with a strong overlay of anxiety, demonstrable in 48% of the patients. Conclusion Being aware of the condition is key to avoid misdiagnosis in vocal cord dysfunction. Fiberoptic laryngoscopy is the diagnostic gold standard to demonstrate paradoxical vocal cord adduction during an attack. A multidisciplinary approach should be adapted for the management, which should be specific and tailored for individual patients.

Type I thyroplasty for unilateral vocal fold palsy: Silastic or titanium implant?

Introduction: Process of speech involves adduction of true vocal cords, and their palsy results in dysphonia with or without aspiration. Medialization thyroplasty is the standard of care and involves insertion of an implant to achieve apposition. We conducted a randomized prospective study to evaluate two types of implants (Silastic vs. titanium) in terms of surgical time and perceptive, acoustic, and aerodynamic evaluation. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six patients were randomized into two groups and were implanted one type of implant. They were evaluated and compared on the basis of voice handicap index (VHI), voice quality evaluation (VQE), and maximum phonation time (MPT). Results: The mean time taken for Silastic implantation was 83.07 min and for titanium implantation was 52.16 min. VHI and VQE decreased significantly following implantation in both groups, while MPT increased in both groups significantly. There was no significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: Medialization thyroplasty with both types of implants achieves good and comparable results. Silastic implant surgery takes longer time but is relatively inexpensive.

Drug-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion

Vocal cord dysfunction, also known as paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM), is a disorder characterized by abnormal vocal cord adduction during inspiration. PVFM is commonly misdiagnosed as asthma because of the similarity of symptoms: cough, wheezing, chest pain, and dyspnea. We present the clinical vignette of a 36-year-old woman with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and multiple adverse drug reactions who presented with recurrent episodes of unrecognized PVFM during skin testing for drug allergy, omalizumab treatment, and tocilizumab desensitization. Before the diagnosis of PVFM, these episodes were treated as anaphylaxis, including the administration of epinephrine. Once diagnosed and treated for PVFM, the patient did not present any further events and continued treatment for drug allergy. PVFM may be underreported in hypersensitivity reactions because of the similarity to Type 1-mediated respiratory symptoms and comorbid asthma.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in children and adolescents: Part I - Diagnostic formulations.

Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a nonspecific, umbrella category that is used to collect together a range of atypical neurophysiological responses to emotional distress, physiological stressors and danger. Because PNES mimic epileptic seizures, children and adolescents with PNES usually present to neurologists or to epilepsy monitoring units. After a comprehensive neurological evaluation and a diagnosis of PNES, the patient is referred to mental health services for treatment. This study documents the diagnostic formulations – the clinical formulations about the probable neurophysiological mechanisms – that were constructed for 60 consecutive children and adolescents with PNES who were referred to our Mind-Body Rehabilitation Programme for treatment. As a heuristic framework, we used a contemporary reworking of Janet’s dissociation model: PNES occur in the context of a destabilized neural system and reflect a release of prewired motor programmes following a functional failure in cognitive-emotional executive control circuitry. Using this framework, we clustered the 60 patients into six different subgroups: (1) dissociative PNES (23/60; 38%), (2) dissociative PNES triggered by hyperventilation (32/60; 53%), (3) innate defence responses presenting as PNES (6/60; 10%), (4) PNES triggered by vocal cord adduction (1/60; 2%), (5) PNES triggered by activation of the valsalva manoeuvre (1/60; 1.5%) and (6) PNES triggered by reflex activation of the vagus (2/60; 3%). As described in the companion article, these diagnostic formulations were used, in turn, both to inform the explanations of PNES that we gave to families and to design clinical interventions for helping the children and adolescents gain control of their PNES.

Contribution of intraoperative neuromonitoring to the identification of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve.

We evaluated the contribution of intraoperative neuromonitoring to the visual and functional identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. The prospectively collected data of patients who underwent thyroid surgery with intraoperative neuromonitoring for external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve exploration were assessed retrospectively. The surface endotracheal tube-based Medtronic NIM3 intraoperative neuromonitoring device was used. The external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve function was evaluated by the cricothyroid muscle twitch. In addition, contribution of external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve to the vocal cord adduction was evaluated using electromyographic records. The study included data of 126 (female, 103; male, 23) patients undergoing thyroid surgery, with a mean age of 46.2±12.2 years (range, 18-75 years), and 215 neck sides were assessed. Two hundred and one (93.5%) of 215 external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified, of which 60 (27.9%) were identified visually before being stimulated with a monopolar stimulator probe. Eighty-nine (41.4%) external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified visually after being identified with a probe. Although 52 (24.1%) external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified with a probe, they were not visualized. Intraoperative neuromonitoring provided a significant contribution to visual (p<0.001) and functional (p<0.001) identification of external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves. Additionally, positive electromyographic responses were recorded from 160 external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves (74.4%). Intraoperative neuromonitoring provides an important contribution to visual and functional identification of external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves. We believe that it can not be predicted whether the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve is at risk or not and the nerve is often invisible; thus, intraoperative neuromonitoring may routinely be used in superior pole dissection. Glottic electromyography response obtained via external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve stimulation provides quantifiable information in addition to the simple visualization of the cricothyroid muscle twitch.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction and Asthma

Vocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a functional disorder of the vocal cords characterized by exaggerated adduction of vocal cords during inspiration and/or expiration causing respiratory and laryngeal symptoms. VCD can exist in isolation and coexist with asthma, or it can mimic asthma. The missteps during the VCD and asthma diagnostic process and subsequent faulty clinical conclusions can lead to mistreatment and increased health care utilization that can last for years. Therefore, diagnostic precision in conjunction with optimal therapeutics is a prerequisite for the best patient outcomes in this patient population. An integrated approach is frequently required using multiple diagnostic modalities to make a correct diagnosis. The treatment options, usually applied in a step-wise progression, depend on the severity of presentation and the underlying type of VCD. Future studies should address the better identification of specific phenotypes of VCD and their corresponding treatments.

Is intraoperative neural monitoring necessary for exploration of the superior laryngeal nerve?

We aimed to evaluate the contribution of intraoperative neuromonitoring to the visual and functional identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve and the effect on postoperative voice changes. The prospective data of 221 patients (183 women, 38 men) who underwent thyroid operation with intraoperative neuromonitoring for exploration of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve were evaluated retrospectively. The surface endotracheal tube-based Medtronic NIM3 (Medtronic, Jacksonville, FL) intraoperative neuromonitoring device was used. The function of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve was evaluated by cricothyroid muscle twitch. Additionally, the contribution of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve to vocal cord adduction was evaluated using electromyographic records. A total of 374 (95.2%) of 393 external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified; 145 (36.9%) external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified visually before being stimulated with a probe, and 130 (33.1%) external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified visually after being identified with a probe. Although 99 (25.2%) external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves were identified with a probe, they were not visualized. Intraoperative neuromonitoring provided meaningful contributions to visual (P = .001) and functional (P = .001) identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. Positive electromyographic responses were recorded from 257 external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves (68.7%). After the patients with recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy were excluded, voice changes were detected in 6 (3.3%) of 184 patients with identified external branch of the superior laryngeal nerves and 3 (20%) of 15 patients in whom at least 1 external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve could not be identified with intraoperative neuromonitoring. Intraoperative neuromonitoring provided an important contribution to the visual and functional identification of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. Intraoperative neuromonitoring is a helpful adjunct for identifying the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve.