Videostroboscopy is a procedure in which your doctor or speech pathologist uses a stroboscopic light source to illuminate the vocal folds, allowing them to observe the vocal folds in action and check for abnormal motion or function. The procedure is used to help diagnose voice disorders, and it can also help identify polyps or lesions.
Candidates for Videostroboscopy
- Hoarseness, breathiness or any other change in voice
- Vocal fatigue
- Soreness, tightness or a burning sensation in the throat
- The feeling of having something stuck in the throat
- Frequent cough or throat clearing
- Acid reflux
What To Expect During the Procedure
With a Videostroboscopy, an endoscope – which may be either flexible or rigid – is outfitted with a fiber-optic strobe light and a video camera. The doctor or speech pathologist will ask you to speak a variety of sounds at different varying pitches/tones. A flashing light is synchronized with the vibrations of the vocal cords, providing the illusion of a slow-motion view of the vocal cords. This enables the doctor or speech pathologist to more easily analyze vibration patterns and assist in diagnosis.
Videostroboscopy is a safe and effective outpatient procedure that causes no pain or discomfort, aside from a brief period of numbness in the nose, mouth and throat as the topical anesthetic wears off.
You can resume normal activities as soon as you are ready. The examination itself takes only a few minutes on average, and the results are reviewed immediately following procedure.
Call Albany ENT & Allergy Services at 518-701-2085 for more information or to schedule an appointment.