Laryngostroboscopy and voice evaluation in adult patients with Parkinson's disease.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the laryngeal manifestations of PD.

METHODS

Evaluation of 18 PD patients conducted between January 2011 and December 2012. Patients were evaluated through videolaryngostroboscopy, auditory perceptual analysis of the voice using the GIRBAS scale, acoustic voice analysis, and application of the Vocal Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire.

RESULTS

Dysphonia and vocal fatigue were referred by 72.22% and 33.3% of the patients, respectively, whereas changes during laryngoscopy were verified in 94.44%. The medians of the acoustic voice analysis and the VHI self-assessment questionnaire were unchanged. The median of the VHI emotional domain was higher among patients who presented open phase closure, with statistically significant difference (p = 0.029).

CONCLUSION

Patients with PD present laryngeal and voice changes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.