Selective surface stimulation of unilateral vocal fold paralysis

The laryngeal innervation bears the risk of unilateral and bilateral vocal fold paralysis due to trauma, injury during surgery, and inflammation. Bilateral vocal fold paralysis usually causes dyspnea with inspiratory stridor and requires immediate an intervention to stabilize the airway. The unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) causes dysphonia, thus patients are in need for therapy to improve the voice quality.

In temporary UVFP, direct electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) can be used for activation of intrinsic laryngeal muscles as an alternative to conservative therapy.

The EMS should promote the nerve regeneration and should reduce synkinesia without negatively interfering with normal regeneration processes.

In this study, 30 patients with UVFP (male:female = 20:10, average age 57,4 y) underwent superficial electrotherapy of the larynx. Thus, first experiences with surface stimulation of denervated muscles in UVFP will be presented. A selective laryngeal reaction could be seen in 10/30 patients. The other patients presented either no laryngeal reaction or unselective laryngeal activity (activation of extrinsic laryngeal and neck muscles, swallowing reflexes).

It can be concluded that the selective surface stimulation of denervated laryngeal muscles will offer an alternative therapy in UVFP. In future studies, we will further investigate appropriate intervention with electrical stimulation based on electrodes configuration and pulse parameters, in order to avoid unselective stimulation and to verify the therapeutic benefit for patients suffering from UVFP.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)