The clinical differentiation between vocal cord paralysis and vocal cord fixation using electromyography

Abstract

With newer techniques for laryngeal intervention, it becomes a practical necessity to understand whether an immobile cord is due to neurogenic dysfunction or cricoarytenoid fixation. An objective test for this differentiation is laryngeal electromyography, which can be done as an office procedure with a minimum of discomfort. Our experience in a clinical setting has shown laryngeal electromyography to be efficient in accurately assessing the neuromuscular status of the intrinsic laryngeal musculature.