What is a diagnostic stroboscopy?

Voice problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including vocal cord nodules, polyps, and cysts. A diagnostic stroboscopy is a specialised examination that can help identify the underlying cause of voice disorders.

Stroboscopy is a type of laryngoscopy that uses a strobe light to examine the vocal cords and larynx. The light flashes at a frequency that matches the patient’s voice, allowing the examiner to view the vocal cords in slow motion. This technique provides a detailed view of vocal fold vibration during sound production, which can help identify abnormalities in vocal cord movement.

How is a diagnostic stroboscopy performed?

The procedure is typically performed by an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or speech-language pathologist. During the examination, a flexible or rigid endoscope is inserted through the patient’s nose or mouth and into the throat. The strobe light is then activated, and the examiner observes the patient’s vocal cords as they produce sound.

What can it diagnose?

Stroboscopy is a non-invasive procedure that is generally well-tolerated by patients. It can be used to diagnose a variety of voice disorders, including vocal cord paralysis, spasmodic dysphonia, and vocal cord nodules, polyps, and cysts. The procedure can also be used to monitor the progress of treatment for these conditions.

In addition to stroboscopy, other diagnostic tools may be used to evaluate voice disorders. These include laryngoscopy, which provides a magnified view of the voice box using a rigid or flexible telescope, and electromyography (EMG), which measures the electrical activity of the vocal cords during sound production.

What are the risks associated with a stroboscopy?

Adding stroboscopy to a standard throat endoscopy does not introduce any new risks. Risk factors for throat endoscopy include mild discomfort and occasionally, minor bleeding from the nose.