title: Phonation after cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI): prospective case examinations of the acute and sub-acute stages of recovery.
abstract: The aim of the investigation was to examine the changes in phonation and related quality-of-life in the acute and sub-acute stages of recovery post-cervical spinal cord injury (CSCI). A prospective examination of phonation was conducted using perceptual and instrumental measures of respiratory and laryngeal functioning alongside a quality-of-life rating scale. Change was present across measures for both cases at each time point. Overall, a general pattern of recovery was seen, although some areas deteriorated between 6-12 months. Severity of impairments, extent of change, and impact on quality-of-life differed between the cases. Measures varied in sensitivity to change in function. Phonation can be impaired following both complete and incomplete CSCI, with type and severity of impairment/s undergoing change throughout the acute and sub-acute period post-injury. Spontaneous physiological recovery does not necessarily result in improved phonation and/ or quality-of-life. Potential exists for targeted speech-language therapy in this population, throughout recovery, to best capitalize on the physical changes that are occurring and to maximize functional application of skills to improve quality- of-life. Further research is warranted to examine this recovery period on a larger scale.
authors: The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. n.macbean@uq.edu.au
authors: Naomi
authors: N
authors: MacBean
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Ward
authors: Bruce
authors: B
authors: Murdoch
authors: Louise
authors: L
authors: Cahill
authors: Timothy
authors: T
authors: Geraghty
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010699:Phonation / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000150:complications*