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Diagnostic Studies in Workup for Vocal Fold Paralysis: When and Why

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Decision Making in Vocal Fold Paralysis

Abstract

This chapter will present varying paradigms regarding diagnostic testing in the workup of vocal fold paralysis. After thorough history-taking and physical exam, these tests should be considered to elucidate an underlying cause of vocal fold immobility. This evidence-based discussion will center around imaging studies, serologic studies, laryngeal electromyography (L-EMG), and office-based cricoarytenoid joint assessment. Several different imaging modalities will be compared including their benefits and limitations. Moreover, we will discuss follow-up for patients with idiopathic vocal fold paralysis and the potential role for repeat examination and testing. The utilization of L-EMG in vocal fold paralysis will be included specifically detailing indications and prognostic value. Lastly, we will ask the reader to consider serologic studies as part of diagnostic workup especially in cases of potential rheumatologic disease.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Shaum S. Sridharan

  2. Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Division of Laryngology, UCSF Voice and Swallowing Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA

    Clark A. Rosen

Authors
  1. Shaum S. Sridharan
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  2. Clark A. Rosen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Clark A. Rosen .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. NYU Swallowing Disorders Center, New York University, New York, NY, USA

    Milan R. Amin

  2. USC Voice Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    Michael M. Johns

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Sridharan, S.S., Rosen, C.A. (2019). Diagnostic Studies in Workup for Vocal Fold Paralysis: When and Why. In: Amin, M., Johns, M. (eds) Decision Making in Vocal Fold Paralysis. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23475-1_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23475-1_1

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-23474-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-23475-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

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