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Biomedical subjects

J R Spiegel

Publications and source records attributed to J R Spiegel.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Current evaluation and treatment of patients with swallowing disorders.

To determine the varied causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia and their respective pathophysiology, a working understanding of the normal anatomy and function of the highly integrated mechanism of swallowing is outlined. This information is presented as the basis for a reasoned and detailed approach to the history, physical examination, and endoscopic evaluation of normal and altered oropharyngeal swallowing. The management of swallowing disorders depends on the nature and magnitude of the responsible clinical condition. Conservative and surgical approaches are discussed. These modalities and their indications are described in detail.

Deglutition

Voice range in superior laryngeal nerve paresis and paralysis.

Evaluation of Physiologic Frequency Range (PFR) and Musical Frequency Range (MRP) of Phonation was performed on 56 adults (singers and nonsingers) presenting with superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) paresis or paralysis confirmed by laryngeal electromyography. The most common etiology was neuritis (69.7%), followed by iatrogenic and unknown causes,each accounting for 10.2% of cases, and finally trauma (8.9%). Both female and male singers with SLN paresis or paralysis had significantly higher PFR and MPR than nonsingers. Female classical singers presented PFR and MPR of up to 10 semitones (ST) higher than nonclassical singers and nonsingers. The lowest PFR and musical ranges were found in patients with SLN paresis associated with recurrent laryngeal nerve paresis or paralysis. The authors suggest that voice range measurement is a useful parameter for analyzing the effects of SLN paresis or paralysis on voice and that it may also assist in measuring outcome following voice therapy.

Adult

Cricothyroid joint injury.

Cricothyroid joint injuries may result in severe voice dysfunction and may be associated with laryngeal pain. Otolaryngologists and radiologists should be familiar with this rarely recognized injury.

Adult

Unilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis: the importance of "preoperative" voice therapy.

This preliminary retrospective study of 19 female patients and 22 male patients with unilateral recurrent nerve lesions demonstrated the promise of objective measurements in predicting the need for surgery, the efficacy of voice therapy in ameliorating vocal symptoms, and the effects of therapy in conjunction with surgery. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the female patients and 64% of the male patients did not elect to have surgery. Outcome satisfaction of nonsurgical and surgical patients appeared to be similar. The data from this study support the importance of preoperative therapy for patients with unilateral vocal fold paralysis.

Electromyography

Normal strobovideolaryngoscopy: variability in healthy singers.

Strobovideolaryngoscopy has proven essential to accurate diagnosis of voice disorders. Clinical interpretation of stroboscopic images usually follows a standard assessment protocol. Features analyzed typically include symmetry of amplitude, symmetry of phase, regularity of periodicity, amplitudes and wave forms of individual vocal folds, presence or absence of adynamic segments, and other features. Speed and smoothness of abduction and adduction are also assessed. In order for stroboscopic data to be used meaningfully in a clinical setting, it is essential for the laryngologist to recognize the range of normal variability of these parameters. This may be particularly important when trying to establish diagnoses for subtle voice disorders in professional voice users. This study investigates strobovideolaryngoscopic findings in a population of normal professional singers without voice complaints. "Abnormal" strobovideolaryngoscopic findings occur in this asymptomatic population of "volunteers." These abnormalities might have been misinterpreted as causing voice complaints if seen for the first time when the singer sought medical care for a voice problem. Physicians must be aware of the range of laryngeal behavior that may be found among normal subjects and must be cautious when interpreting strobovideolaryngoscopic findings. This study also highlights the importance of obtaining "normal" baseline strobovideolaryngoscopic evaluations on professional voice users. The review of strobovideolaryngoscopy performed upon 65 healthy, asymptomatic professional singers revealed an incidence of 58% "abnormal" findings as six clinical entities.

Adult

The young adult voice.

Young adulthood is notable for rapid physical changes and psychosocial instability. Care of the young adult professional voice requires knowledge of the specific anatomic and physiologic changes associated with the mutational voice, as well as the effects of general growth and maturation on the vocal mechanism. The effects of psychological stresses common to young adulthood, such as educational commitments and early career choices, must also be understood. Upper respiratory infection and allergies are common in this age group. Treatment of these conditions must be tailored in the professional voice user because of the potential side effects of some medications and the performance imperatives of the patient. Surgical indications for tonsillectomy in the young voice patient are discussed. There are no special considerations in the evaluation and treatment of laryngeal pathology in the young adult, with the exception of limiting the use of sedative anesthesia. However, conservatism in surgical decision-making is advised. The development of a stable, efficient vocal technique and a mature professional background requires time, patience, and hard work.

Adolescent

The aging adult voice.

Advancing age produces physiologic changes that may alter voice. Some of these changes are inevitable; others may be avoidable or reversible. In addition, many treatable medical conditions may cause voice changes similar to those of aging. It is essential that all voice care providers be familiar with the expected changes of aging, and be alert to reversible conditions that may adversely affect phonation and be mistaken for presbyphonia.

Age Factors

Reinke's edema.

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Aged