Intermittent Vagal Nerve Stimulation-Associated Vocal Fold Movement Impairment

2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110474
Author(s):  
Jennifer Yan ◽  
Julina Ongkasuwan ◽  
Elton M. Lambert

Objectives: Implanted vagal nerve stimulators (VNS) are an accepted therapy for refractory seizures. However, VNS have been shown to affect vocal fold function, leading to voice complaints of hoarseness. We present a case of intermittent VNS-related vocal fold paralysis leading to dysphonia and dysphagia with aspiration in a pediatric patient. Methods: This is a case report of a patient at a tertiary hospital evaluated in pediatric swallow and voice clinics. Patient and mother gave verbal consent to be included in this case report. Results: Indirect laryngeal stroboscopy was performed demonstrating full vocal fold mobility with VNS off and left vocal fold paralysis in lateral position and glottic gap with VNS on. Voice measures were performed demonstrating decreased phonation time, lower pitch, and decreased intensity of voice with VNS on. Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing demonstrated deep penetration alone with VNS off and deep penetration with concern for aspiration with VNS on. Conclusions: While the majority of cases of vocal fold movement impairment associated with VNS have been noted to have a medialized vocal fold with VNS activation, we describe a case of intermittent vocal fold lateralization associated with VNS activation with resultant voice changes and aspiration.

1994 ◽  
Vol 108 (9) ◽  
pp. 788-790 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa N. Jamal

AbstractA case of schwannoma of the larynx is reported. It originated from the left ventricular fold submucosally and extended to the left side of the neck outside the larynx near the carotid sheath. It presented with stridor. CT scan showed a mass in the larynx which had fractured the left thyroid lamina and extended into the neck. An external surgical approach was used and the mass was removed in toto without laryngofissure. Left vocal fold paralysis was noticed during laryngoscopy at the time of the operation. The possibility that the tumour originated from the recurrent laryngeal nerve is discussed. Histopathological photomicrographs and a CT scan are presented.


2012 ◽  
Vol 126 (9) ◽  
pp. 963-965 ◽  
Author(s):  
J S Virk ◽  
A Majithia ◽  
R K Lingam ◽  
A Singh

AbstractObjectives:To increase awareness of cervical osteophytes as an extremely rare cause of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy; to outline the clinical approach to patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis and to provide an update on the current management of osteoarthritis and osteophytes.Case report:An elderly man presented with right unilateral vocal fold immobility and a small phonatory gap. By a diagnosis of exclusion, a cervical osteophyte at the level of the sixth and seventh cervical vertebrae was shown to be the cause. The patient responded to speech therapy and no further intervention was required.Method:A literature review, using Medline, identified only one previously published case of vocal fold paralysis due to osteophytes secondary to osteoarthritis.Conclusion:The aetiology of unilateral paralysis of the hemilarynx must be fully investigated, as the innervating system has a protracted course, particularly on the left side. Degenerative cervical spine disease, although rare, should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 36-41
Author(s):  
Anna Rzepakowska ◽  
Justyna Jachimowska ◽  
Kazimierz Niemczyk

Laryngeal reinnervation is the method of treatment in unilateral vocal fold paralysis. During the surgery an anastomosis between the main branch of ansa cervicalis and recurrent laryngeal nerve is formed. Regeneration of the nerve’s functional abilities is a long process, lasting from 4 to 6 months, up to a year. A 35 year-old male was admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology at Warsaw Medical University in order to undergo surgical removal of reoccurrence of Schwannoma in left cerebellopontine angle by translabyrinthine approach. Post-operative period was complicated with vagal nerve paralysis. The patient reported hoarseness, dysphagia and choking. Physical examination revealed left vocal fold immobilization in abducted position, saliva in piriform fossa and left-sided soft palate paralysis yet the patient was discharged home. 4 weeks after the surgery, the patient was admitted to the hospital again due to developing aspiration pneumonia. Augmentation of the left vocal fold with calcium hydroxyapatite was performed 2 months later. After this intervention temporary vocal improvement and choking frequency reduction was observed. Finally, the patient underwent laryngeal reinnervation with formation of ansa cervicalis main branch to recurrent laryngeal nerve anastomosis. Left vocal fold regained its functional abilities and the quality of the voice improved. Laryngovideostroboscopy performed 6 months later revealed mobilization of left vocal fold sufficient for proper glottis closure. The voice measures normalized and the swallowing improved. Conclusions This case report and analyzed data confirm that laryngeal reinnervation surgery in unilateral vocal fold paralysis helps achieve satisfactory effects in voice function and life quality.


2019 ◽  
pp. 014556131987391
Author(s):  
Justin T. Lui ◽  
Anita T. Kang ◽  
Lisa M. DiFrancesco ◽  
S. Joseph Warshawski ◽  
Derrick R. Randall

Author(s):  
H S Chew ◽  
J C G Goh ◽  
D Y A Tham

Abstract Background There is a paucity of Asian-based data regarding the diagnostic yield of computed tomography imaging in the initial assessment of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold palsy. Objectives To investigate the diagnostic yield of computed tomography in idiopathic unilateral vocal fold palsy cases in an Asian tertiary hospital, and to determine the causative pathologies and positive predictive factors. Method A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients (between 2010 and 2018) with a clinical diagnosis of idiopathic unilateral vocal fold palsy who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the neck and chest at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. Results The overall computed tomography diagnostic yield was 21 per cent, with malignancy accounting for 63.6 per cent of diagnoses. Degree of vocal fold weakness was the only significant predictor of positive computed tomography findings (11.5 per cent in vocal fold paresis vs 29.1 per cent in vocal fold paralysis, p = 0.025). None of the patients with negative computed tomography findings went on to develop disease after a mean follow up of 14.3 months. Conclusion Computed tomography is a useful initial investigation for idiopathic unilateral vocal fold palsy, particularly in cases with vocal fold paralysis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-5
Author(s):  
Shinsuke Suzuki ◽  
Takechiyo Yamada

Background. Endolaryngeal suture lateralisation is an ideal operation for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. However, restenosis owing to breakage and slippage of suture can sometimes occur. In such a case, methods that are more effective in expanding the glottis, including arytenoidectomy, must be selected. Case Report. Herein, we report two female patients aged 86 and 54 years who presented with bilateral vocal cord paralysis and who had restenosis after suture lateralisation. Endoscopic partial arytenoidectomy was performed, and satisfactory outcomes were obtained. This method maintains the height of the arytenoid and preserves its sensation by leaving a part of the cartilage and mucous membrane. Conclusion. Endoscopic partial arytenoidectomy is effective for securing the airway while preserving vocal function and preventing aspiration. This technique is suitable for patients with restenosis after they have undergone endolaryngeal suture lateralisation.


2005 ◽  
Vol 71 (3) ◽  
pp. 382-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romualdo Suzano Louzeiro Tiago ◽  
Sandra Jager Patrocínio ◽  
Patricya Santos Figueiredo dos Anjos ◽  
Juparethan Trento Ribeiro ◽  
Fábio Marangoni Gil ◽  
...  

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