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Stroboscopy is one of the main methods for examining the vocal cords. During diagnostics, the device captures high-speed movements (vibrations). This is the so-called stroboscopic effect.
This research technique has been working for a very long time, and with the development of new technologies, it is still being used. The purpose of stroboscopy is to diagnose any abnormalities in the functioning of the vocal cords.
The essence of stroboscopy
The main task of stroboscopy is to study the functionality of the vocal cords. The essence of the procedure lies in the fact that a special device sends light beams to the ligaments. The message itself is intermittent. So-called flashes are formed. So they determine exactly where the ligaments are when sound waves hit them. The endoscope captures all background changes and records them on video. Based on these results, the specialist makes a diagnosis.
This light beam should pulsate in the same way as the ligamentous apparatus vibrates. To achieve this, doctors adjust the device for each patient. Thanks to stroboscopy, even the slightest deviations in the functioning of the ligamentous apparatus can be noticed in a timely manner, while other methods cannot do this.
This diagnosis of the vocal cords is considered one of the most informative methods. Thanks to it, specialists examine the functionality of the larynx and vocal apparatus. The main difference from other diagnostic measures is the assessment of the condition of the ligaments in the process of work, while other methods only evaluate the appearance of the vocal cords or other organs and tissues in the larynx.
In the process of stroboscopy, video endoscopy, video fibrolaryngoscopy, computer acoustic voice diagnosis, autofluorescent endoscopy are performed. If specialists have suspicions that tumor processes affect the mucous membrane and tissues of the larynx, then computed and magnetic resonance imaging are additionally prescribed.
If it is necessary to diagnose a small child, then video fibrolaryngoscopy is prescribed. It gives the little patient less discomfort than stroboscopy.
When is stroboscopy prescribed and what are the contraindications
This research technique has no critical contraindications. The only thing is that it is not carried out for children under five years old.
Also, stroboscopy is prescribed with caution to patients with individual characteristics.
Doctors may prescribe this diagnostic technique in cases where:
- there are suspicions of the development of tumor processes in the larynx and vocal cords;
- the vocal cords and larynx were injured;
- there is the presence of possible inflammatory processes in the larynx (inflammation of the palatine tonsils or inflammation of the mucous membrane and lymphoid tissue of the larynx);
- there is the presence of any violations on the part of voice formation (qualitative violation of the voice, loss of sonority of the voice, weakening of the closure of the ligaments);
- the doctor has suspicions of injury to the nerves that innervate the larynx.
Most often, the above violations are observed in people who smoke or drink.
Also, the doctor can prescribe this diagnosis if the patient coughs for a long time and persistently, the timbre of the voice has changed, feels the presence of a foreign body in the larynx. Hoarseness is also the main indication for stroboscopy.
With the help of stroboscopy, a doctor can diagnose many diseases in the larynx, namely: chronic laryngitis of atrophic and hypertrophic forms; reduced motor activity of the laryngeal muscles; neoplasms on the mucous membrane of the larynx; an infectious disease of the larynx caused by the multiplication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis; foreign objects in the larynx.
How to prepare for stroboscopy and how is it performed?
Before performing stroboscopy, specialists prescribe laryngoscopy. This allows doctors to assess the state of the anatomical structure of the larynx and nearby structures. Also, before the procedure itself, namely two to three hours, it is recommended not to eat or drink anything that can irritate the mucous membrane.
The procedure itself is carried out in a sitting or lying position. Doctors insert an endovideo camera into the oral cavity, which has a stroboscope at the end. After complete insertion, the patient is asked to pronounce the vowels in any order. As a rule, sounds should be in the middle register at first, and then gradually shift higher and lower.
All changes are captured by a special sensor and sent to the screen in the form of a photo or video. By deciphering the results obtained, the doctor can make a diagnosis.
At the time of the study, the doctor must examine several parameters. So, in a healthy person: depending on the strength of the sound, the amplitude of the oscillations of the vocal cords changes; all vocal cords should vibrate symmetrically, that is, equally; they are located on the same level; during the issuance of various sounds, the folds of the ligaments must completely close.
If during the diagnosis, experts noticed that the amplitude of the oscillations is constant, the vocal cords move at different speeds and are not located at the same level, then we can safely say that a tumor or inflammatory process is developing in the larynx.
Are there complications during stroboscopy?
As medical practice shows, the development of complications after this procedure practically does not occur. In rare cases, when a doctor inserts a special device, the mucous membrane of the larynx or the ligaments themselves may be damaged. Also, injury can occur as a result of involuntary displacement of the endovideostroboscope in the larynx.
The main value of this diagnostic measure lies in the fact that doctors can timely diagnose all kinds of pathological processes that affect the mucous membrane and tissues of the larynx. Today stroboscopy has no equal.
In medical practice, it is called the most valuable diagnostic method, which allows you to evaluate the functionality of the larynx and vocal apparatus.