Laryngeal Movement Disorders and Their Management

This review describes the current information related to laryngeal neuropathic disorders and the possible management options available. Voice changes may range from severe hoarseness due to choking and coughing to a mild intermittent dysphonia possibly accompanied by unusual breathing. Neither the sound of the voice nor the lack of hoarseness should suggest that the problem itself is a minor one. Laryngeal neuropathic disorders may be the outcome of inflammation, irritation, infection, or a combination of these that causes a disruption in normal sensation. When sensory mediators no longer function normally, breathing, phonation, and even swallowing changes may be affected. Clinicians must be aware of the numerous sensory related disorders in the upper airway and currently accepted methods of treatment.