Acoustic analysis of voice in individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and perceptually normal vocal quality.

Currently, early phonatory changes in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are not well understood. The aim of this study was to compare acoustic parameters of voice in ALS subjects who demonstrated perceptually normal vocal quality on sustained phonation with a control group. We hypothesized that objective analysis of voice would reveal significant differences on specific acoustic parameters of voice compared to the control group. Results revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups on measures related to frequency range and phonatory stability. The findings suggest that early bulbar signs affecting the laryngeal system may be present in patients with ALS before the occurrence of perceptually aberrant vocal characteristics.

Evaluation, treatment, and follow-up results of post polio patients with dysphagia.

Twenty consecutive patients were evaluated for reports of dysphagia from post-polio clinics. Only half the patients reported a history of swallowing problems at the time of their acute poliomyelitis. Each patient received a videofluorographic evaluation of the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing, and then was provided with recommendations to improve swallowing skills. A follow-up questionnaire was sent to all patients. The respondents had an average interval of 12 months since the initial evaluation. Of the 18 patients responding to the questionnaire, 14 (77%) reported regular use of the swallowing suggestions. Comparison of pre-evaluation results to followup of the 18 respondents yielded a statistically significant decline in the frequency of choking (p = 0.0156) and food sticking in the throat (p = 0.0195). We conclude that a dysphagia program can result in significant improvement of the swallowing symptoms reported with the post-polio population.