Search

Identifying CN IX and X using endotracheal tube electrodes

This clinical study describes the possible usefulness of endotracheal tube electrodes in monitoring vocal cord function during cerebellopontine angle surgery in 20 patients. Lower cranial nerves, especially IX and X are at risk of injury during skull base surgery although...

Effect of peripheral and central vestibular dysfunction on sense of direction

Sense of direction (SOD) is the ability to orientate ourselves and to determine the locus of objects in our environment. The vestibular system plays a key role in spatial orientation by encoding angular acceleration in the absence of visual cues...

The benefits of early voice therapy for unilateral vocal cord paralysis

This retrospective review of voice outcomes following a diagnosis of unilateral vocal fold paralysis divided patients into three groups according to the time of initiation of voice therapy following the onset of paralysis. The ‘early’ group started voice therapy within...

How would you like your cartilage served – diced, crushed or shaved?

Harvested cartilage can be used to enhance the structural, functional and aesthetic properties of the nose in rhinoplasty. The practice of mechanical fragmentation of harvested cartilage in rhinoplasty is varied with no clear consensus with respect to its indication. This...

A future for unilateral deafness

Every year, we see several patients struggling with irreversible unilateral hearing loss that is non-responsive to sound amplification. This article emphasises that clinicians should not underestimate the functional and psychological impairment single-sided deafness can have on an individual, even though...

Does vocal tremor lead to changes in swallowing function?

Vocal tremor (VT) is a debilitating problem, but remains challenging to treat. Its pathophysiology remains indeterminate and there is a lack of consensus on phenotypes. Clinically, VT is often noted to be present in muscles outside of the larynx, including...

Outcomes of reirradiation for recurrent head and neck SCC

Recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is often a challenge to manage when radiotherapy has previously been administered as a component of the initial treatment. Salvage surgery is usually the preferred modality of treatment, but for unresectable...

What are the airway, voice and swallowing outcomes of a mucosal-sparing surgical approach to improving the glottic airway in bilateral vocal fold immobility?

Bilateral vocal fold immobility (BVFI) causes significant breathing problems as well as voice and swallowing difficulties. Surgical interventions aim to enlarge the glottic outlet by altering or removing glottic structures which improve breathing but often lead to worsening dysphonia and...