Laryngeal electromyography: a useful technique for the investigation of vocal cord palsy.
Percutaneous needle laryngeal electromyography was used in 22 patients with an established vocal cord palsy of non-laryngological cause. Recordings of action potentials from both vocalis and cricothyroid muscles produced expected results in 8 patients with skull base lesions. In 6 patients with known lesions below the clavicles, ipsilateral cricothyroid activity was found to be normal despite the vocal cord lying in the lateral (or cadaveric) position. In 2 patients electromyography helped establish the site of the lesion. Eight patients with idiopathic cord palsies showed varying cricothyroid function but in all vocalis activity was absent.
Quiney
R E
RE
Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, London, UK.
D000200:Action Potentials; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014826:Vocal Cord Paralysis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology