Idiopathic laryngeal spasm: management and long-term outcome

Abstract

Idiopathic laryngeal spasm (ILS) is an uncommon disorder characterised by brief episodes of stridor, occurring at any time. Subsequent outpatient ENT examination is normal. These episodes cause considerable anxiety for both patient and physician. Little is known about the initiating event(s) in this condition or the long-term outcome. Using a combination of telephone and postal questionnaires with case note review, we have reviewed a cohort of 21 patients with this diagnosis managed by the senior author over the last 15 years. None of the 19 patients who responded were worse; 13 (68%) described improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. ILS is difficult to classify in the spectrum of vocal cord disorders, but appears distinct to those previously described. The condition responds well to a conservative management approach of reassurance and counselling.

Laryngospasm Causing Recurrent Negative Pressure Alveolar Hemorrhage Resembling Acute Exacerbation of Interstitial Lung Disease: A Case Report

“…The causes of laryngospasm may include endotracheal maneuvers, reflux esophagitis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and hypomagnesemia [9][10][11] . Idiopathic cases of recurrent laryngospasm with no apparent cause have also been reported 12,13) . Darren reported that most patients diagnosed with idiopathic laryngospasm have attacks at any time that last less than 2 min 13) .…”

“…Idiopathic cases of recurrent laryngospasm with no apparent cause have also been reported 12,13) . Darren reported that most patients diagnosed with idiopathic laryngospasm have attacks at any time that last less than 2 min 13) . Laryngospasm is relieved in a short time by a decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide, and resumption of inspiration 14) .…”

Main branch of ACN‐to‐RLN for management of laryngospasm due to unilateral vocal cord paralysis

“…6 Paroxysmal laryngospasm, dyspnea with exertion, or stridor are a frightening and debilitating clinical problems that have a major impact on quality of life. 4 Paroxysmal laryngospasm is usually a benign and selflimiting condition with various causative factors, including laryngopharyngeal reflux, allergy, upper respiratory tract infection, and psychiatric disorders. 3,4,19 Patients with paroxysmal laryngospasm due to the above factors were excluded from the present study.…”

“…4 Paroxysmal laryngospasm is usually a benign and selflimiting condition with various causative factors, including laryngopharyngeal reflux, allergy, upper respiratory tract infection, and psychiatric disorders. 3,4,19 Patients with paroxysmal laryngospasm due to the above factors were excluded from the present study. Laryngospasm occurred after UVCP in all cases in this series.…”

“…3 These episodes resolve spontaneously within minutes but are of great concern to patients, who often feel a sense of panic and impending doom. 4 Laryngospasm and dyspnea cannot be readily explained by vocal cord paralysis. Crumley suggested that they may be related to synkinesis and aberrant reinnervation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN).…”