A Case of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Paresis and Psychogenic Dysphonia

Abstract

A psychogenic voice disorder co-occurred or evolved with the symptoms and signs of unilateral superior laryngeal nerve paresis. We speculated that the former was a manifestation of a musculoskeletal tension or conversion reaction disorder, whereas the latter was a sequela to a self-limiting inflammatory process. Voice therapy proved effective for alleviating the psychogenic dysphonia after the signs of the neuropathy had resolved, whereas psychotherapy offered strategies for stress management. A multidisciplinary approach to this patient provided for differential diagnosis and efficacious treatment.

Estudo de caso: disfonia psicogênica

“…No studies were found. In the other hand, the literature describes that vocal paralysis may be temporary 11,14,15 . One study 11 reported a vocal fold paralysis case associated with psychogenic dysphonia in which the treatment for the paralysis was prioritized and only later the psychogenic aspects were considered.…”

“…In the other hand, the literature describes that vocal paralysis may be temporary 11,14,15 . One study 11 reported a vocal fold paralysis case associated with psychogenic dysphonia in which the treatment for the paralysis was prioritized and only later the psychogenic aspects were considered. The present study hypothesis that the patient may had had a vocal fold paralysis, with an unknown etiology, and due to that, developed a high pitch vocal adjustment, which was maintained after the return of the vocal fold movement.…”

“…A direct intervention on the symptoms provides a fast vocal response 11,12 and avoids fixing negative adjustments 6 . The patient was more motivated when he observed the positive vocal changes and therefore, stayed committed to the therapeutic process.…”