J Korean Soc Laryngol Phoniatr Logoped.
2025 Apr;36(1):1-4. 10.22469/jkslp.2025.36.1.1.
Characteristics and Management of Neurologic Disorders of the Larynx
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Otolaryngology, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
- KMID: 2567431
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.22469/jkslp.2025.36.1.1
Abstract
- The larynx plays a crucial role in respiration, phonation, and swallowing, with its motor and sensory functions controlled by both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurological voice disorders arise when various neurological diseases, such as sensory impairment, motor weakness, reflex abnormalities, or incoordination, affect the laryngeal function. Patients with neurological conditions often present with voice changes, swallowing difficulties, or respiratory issues, leading them to seek evaluation and treatment from otolaryngologists, sometimes resulting in neurological consultation. Laryngeal motor disorders can be caused by dysfunction in the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, midbrain, or cerebellum. Neurological voice disorders are often subtle at first and may become more pronounced as the disease progresses, commonly accompanied by other speech disorders such as dysarthria or aphasia. Early diagnosis of symptoms and understanding the characteristics of neurological diseases is crucial for effective voice evaluation and therapy. This review summarizes the clinical features, voice characteristics, and treatments of diseases that cause neurological voice disorders, including essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, stroke, myasthenia gravis, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the specific voice characteristics and appropriate treatment options for each condition is essential for improving communication outcomes in these patients. Additionally, addressing coexisting swallowing disorders is important when treating neurological voice disorders.
