Electromyography of the Larynx

Abstract

This paper reports on our experience with electromyography of the larynx in pareses of the recurrent nerve of different causes. Clinical case histories are used to demonstrate the differentiated evaluation of the condition of the damaged recurrent nerve which is possible with the use of electromyography, including reflex electromyography, of the larynx. Knowledge of the type and extent of the lesion of the recurrent nerve only allows limited conclusions to be made about the prognosis of the paresis. For the assessment of the prognosis it is necessary to consider not only the basic disease, but also the actual time at which the electromyography was performed.