The voice and laryngeal dysfunction in stroke: a report from the Neurolaryngology Subcommittee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
OBJECTIVE
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer. It affects as many as 5% of the population over 65 years old, and this number is growing annually due to the aging population. A significant portion of stroke patients that initially survive are faced with the risk of aspiration, as well as quality-of-life issues relating to impaired communication. The goal of this paper is to define the scope of practice in otolaryngology for these patients, and to review pertinent background literature.


METHODS
Consensus report and retrospective literature review.


RESULTS
Otolaryngology involvement in these patients is critical to their rehabilitation, which often requires an interdisciplinary team of specialists. This committee presentation explores epidemiological data regarding the impact of stroke and its complications on hospitalizations. A pertinent review of neuroanatomy as it relates to laryngeal function is also discussed. State-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic procedures are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a well-defined set of diagnostic and therapeutic options for laryngeal dysfunction in the stroke patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Otolaryngologists play a critical role in the interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.
Altman
Kenneth W
KW
Department of Otolaryngology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA. Kenneth.altman@mountsinai.org
Schaefer
Steven D
SD
Yu
Gou-Pei
GP
Hertegard
Stellan
S
Lundy
Donna S
DS
Blumin
Joel H
JH
Maronian
Nicole C
NC
Heman-Ackah
Yolanda D
YD
Abitbol
Jean
J
Casiano
Roy R
RR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003680:Deglutition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014832:Voice Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation