Electrophysiological testing of the lower cranial nerves.

The lower cranial nerves (CN. IX-XII) are responsible for the nerve supply of the pharyngolaryngeal region. Loss of innervation is manifested by dysph agia, aspiration, altered speech production, dyspnea and/or strider, and vi sible loss of movement. In general electrophysiological testing should be a pplied in every kind of paresis. Beside standard equipment for electromyogr aphy limited special equipment is necessary. Examination under local anaest hesia is possible and can serve as a basis for therapeutic consequences. In this article general aspects as seen from an oto-rhino-laryngological stan dpoint are presented.