Recommendations of the Neurolaryngology Study Group on laryngeal electromyography.
The Neurolaryngology Study Group convened a multidisciplinary panel of experts in neuromuscular physiology, electromyography, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, and laryngology to meet with interested members from the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, the Neurolaryngology Subcommittee and the Neurolaryngology Study Group to address the use of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for electrodiagnosis of laryngeal disorders. The panel addressed the use of LEMG for: 1) diagnosis of vocal fold paresis, 2) best practice application of equipment and techniques for LEMG, 3) estimation of time of injury and prediction of recovery of neural injuries, 4) diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases of the laryngeal muscles, and, 5) differentiation between central nervous system and behaviorally based laryngeal disorders. The panel also addressed establishing standardized techniques and methods for future assessment of LEMG sensitivity, specificity and reliability for identification, assessment and prognosis of neurolaryngeal disorders. Previously an evidence-based review of the clinical utility of LEMG published in 2004 only found evidence supported that LEMG was possibly useful for guiding injections of botulinum toxin into the laryngeal muscles. An updated traditional/narrative literature review and expert opinions were used to direct discussion and format conclusions. In current clinical practice, LEMG is a qualitative and not a quantitative examination. Specific recommendations were made to standardize electrode types, muscles to be sampled, sampling techniques, and reporting requirements. Prospective studies are needed to determine the clinical utility of LEMG. Use of the standardized methods and reporting will support future studies correlating electro-diagnostic findings with voice and upper airway function.
Blitzer
Andrew
A
Head and Neck Surgical Group, New York, NY, USA.
Crumley
Roger L
RL
Dailey
Seth H
SH
Ford
Charles N
CN
Floeter
Mary Kay
MK
Hillel
Allen D
AD
Hoffmann
Henry T
HT
Ludlow
Christy L
CL
Merati
Albert
A
Munin
Michael C
MC
Robinson
Lawrence R
LR
Rosen
Clark
C
Saxon
Keith G
KG
Sulica
Lucian
L
Thibeault
Susan L
SL
Titze
Ingo
I
Woo
Peak
P
Woodson
Gayle E
GE
D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004576:Electromyography / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007818:Laryngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007821:Laryngeal Muscles / Q000294:innervation; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity