Vocal Rehabilitation of Paralytic Dysphonia: VII. Paralysis of the Superior Laryngeal Nerve

Abstract

<h3>Introduction</h3> In previous papers,^2-7theory, pathology, and symptomatology of paralytic lesions of the larynx were discussed with particular reference to the resulting vocal disability. There were numerous occasions when the influence of the cricothyroid muscle or its nerve, the superior laryngeal, had to be considered. Since the interaction of the 2 laryngeal nerves on laryngeal physiology is rather complicated, it became necessary to devote a separate discussion to the physiology and pathology of the superior laryngeal nerve and its end-organ, the cricothyroid muscle. Normal and disturbed function of the cricothyroid muscle can be studied with various methods. Some have been well known for half a century; others resulted from recent investigations. Personal studies helped to arrive at a clear and fairly complete presentation of clinical exploration. Although paralysis of the cricothyroid muscle occurs fairly frequently, this characteristic paralytic syndrome is not widely known. Anatomical considerations were sufficiently discussed in