Abstract
We describe 4 patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and glottic narrowing due to vocal cord dysfunction, and review the literature found using the following search terms: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, motor neuron disease, stridor, laryngospasm, vocal cord abductor paresis, and hoarseness. Neurological literature rarely reports vocal cord dysfunction in ALS, in contrast to otolaryngology literature (4%-30% of patients with ALS). Both infranuclear and supranuclear mechanisms may play a role. Vocal cord dysfunction can occur at any stage of disease and may account for sudden death in ALS. Treatment of severe cases includes acute airway management and tracheotomy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1329-1333 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Archives of Neurology |
Volume | 66 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov-2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Aged
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
- Dyspnea
- Electromyography
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Vocal Cords
- Case Reports
- Journal Article
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
- MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY
- ABDUCTOR PARALYSIS
- PARKINSONS-DISEASE
- MYASTHENIA-GRAVIS
- LARYNGEAL STRIDOR
- LARYNGOSPASM
- MANIFESTATION
- PARESIS
- VOICE
- MOTOR