UNDERSTANDING LARYNGEAL STROBOSCOPY

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Individuals who are experiencing difficulty producing voice for any number of reasons may be able to benefit from the use of a laryngeal stroboscopy. Used on patients with disorders of the larynx (throat) and voice, this innovative procedure allows your ENT doctor in Arlington, Dallas or Fort Worth, to evaluate the vibratory patterns of the vocal folds. The vocal folds vibrate extremely quickly during voice production – more than one hundred times per second in men and double that in women – making it impossible to see with the naked eye. When analyzed with the eye, these folds appear as a blur.

Why a Stroboscopy?

A stroboscopy allows your ENT doctor to actually see the vocal folds and determine whether there is an infection or problem. Through the use of this instrument, your doctor will be able to closely observe the vibratory action of the vocal folds and pinpoint the lesions that are causing inflammation, swelling, and discomfort or pain. The captured information can also be reviewed and used in comparison with images from previous examinations in order to better diagnose vocal problems.

Recorded laryngeal stroboscopic examinations can then be used to track changes in a patient’s vibratory pattern over days, weeks, and even years. This

The Process

This is a popular procedure that is widely used throughout ENT clinics in Dallas and beyond. During the examination, a bright flashing light that lasts just a fraction of a second is used to illuminate the vocal folds. The light ‘freezes’ the movement of the vibrating folds and takes multiple pictures at different phases of the vibratory cycle. By taking images at different stages, your ENT doctor will then be able to examine the change in shape of pliable surface of the vocal folds. In order to get a clear picture of the area and adequately illuminate the vocal folds, the flashing light on the stroboscope is passed through an endoscope and inserted into the patient’s throat.

Who Would Benefit

If your voice has any of the below listed characteristics, you may be a good candidate for a laryngeal stroboscopy:

• Weakness
• Hoarseness
• Tightness
• Strained
• Quiet
• Loss of voice

If you are suffering from any of the above, please contact Central Park ENT to see if you could benefit from this procedure.This is a painless exam that does not require any anesthesia. To learn more about laryngeal stroboscopy, voice conditions, or to set up an appointment with one of our doctors in Arlington, Dallas or Fort Worth today, please contact our clinic.