Laryngeal findings in advanced Parkinson's disease.
Parkinson's disease is a major source of neurologic morbidity. A majority of patients with Parkinson's disease complain of problems with voice, speech, and swallowing. Treatments for these problems center on the improvement of vocal fold adduction through either speech therapy or vocal fold augmentation. No prior study has looked at laryngeal improvement after neurologic surgery, specifically deep brain stimulation, performed to treat Parkinson's disease. The goal of this study was to establish a baseline of laryngeal findings in patients who are considering deep brain stimulation. Fifteen patients underwent physical examination with videostroboscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing before deep brain stimulation. In addition, they were asked to self-report voice handicap. Eighty-seven percent of patients demonstrated significant vocal fold bowing. All patients had some degree of pharyngeal residue of solids noted on evaluation of swallowing. All but one patient had a significant self-reported voice handicap. These findings are reviewed and established as a baseline for further study.
Blumin
Joel H
JH
Penn Center for Voice, Pennsylvania Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107, USA.
Pcolinsky
Dana E
DE
Atkins
Joseph P
JP
D000368:Aged; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D008297:Male; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D014741:Video Recording; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*