[Function and dysfunction of the superior laryngeal nerve].

BACKGROUND

Diseases of the superior laryngeal nerve occur more often than thought. Paresis of the superior laryngeal nerve is one of the most frequent causes of dysfunction of this nerve, mainly occurring in the context of thyroid surgery.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSION

To avoid iatrogenic damage of the superior laryngeal nerve, knowledge of the exact topography of the course of this nerve is necessary. A lesion of the superior laryngeal nerve may be associated with changes in the voice as well as with swallowing disorders with aspiration. Diagnosis of this disease is clinically challenging because the clinical symptoms are frequently not pronounced. Besides laryngoscopy, stroboscopy and electromyography are required for exact diagnosis.