LARYNGEAL FUNCTION IN POSTPOLIO PATIENTS

Of the 250,000 survivors of the polio epidemics, approximately 25% exp erience progressive muscle weakness known as postpolio syndrome (PPS). Laryngeal function in postpolio patients previously has not been stud ied. This paper presents data detailing laryngeal function in a group of postpolio patients who had been evaluated for swallowing complaints . Nine patients underwent comprehensive history and physical exam, aco ustical voice analysis, and laryngeal videostroboscopic endoscopy. Thr ee patients underwent laryngeal electromyography (EMG) evaluation. Res ults indicated some degree of phonatory or laryngeal deficit in all su bjects. Subjects with dysphagia also demonstrated vocal fold paralysis . EMG revealed decreased recruitment and increased amplitude, findings consistent with EMG studies in skeletal muscle in postpolio patients. Results suggest that postpolio patients who complain of swallowing di fficulties are at risk for laryngeal pathology.