Differential diagnosis of paradoxical vocal fold movement.
OBJECTIVE
To present the differential diagnosis of paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM) and its distinguishing features.


METHODS
The authors provide an overview of PVFM by drawing from 30 years of clinical and research experience, and relating that experience to literature in this area.


CONCLUSIONS
PVFM is characterized by inappropriate adduction of the vocal folds during inspiration. PVFM is an uncommon and sometimes confusing cause of airway obstruction. The resultant obstruction may be intermittent or continuous, mild or severe. Most patients with PVFM have a specific etiology--inflammatory, neurological, neoplastic, iatrogenic, or psychological--that influences type of treatment and outcome.
Voice Institute of New York, 200 West 57th Street, Suite 1203, New York, NY 10019, USA. jamie@voiceinstituteny.com
Jamie A
JA
Koufman
Christie
C
Block
D001249:Asthma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D001933:Brain Stem / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004421:Dystonia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007830:Larynx / Q000503:physiopathology; D010614:Pharynx / Q000503:physiopathology; D012135:Respiratory Sounds; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000503:physiopathology*