Videostroboscopy
Videostroboscopy: How It Works and When It’s Necessary
Your ENT may recommend a videostroboscopy when they need to diagnose certain conditions that impact your vocal cords or swallowing. A small camera is used to visualize your larynx as you speak. If this procedure is recommended as part of your diagnostic process, the experts at Mid-Michigan ENT will explain each step of the process so you know what to expect.
When Does a Videostroboscopy Help?
Your East Lansing doctor may recommend this procedure if you are experiencing:
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing, also known as dysphagia
- Vocal cord paralysis
- Benign vocal cord lesions or polyps
- Trouble breathing
How Does Videostroboscopy Work?
When we speak, our vocal cords vibrate rapidly to produce sound. A videostroboscopy uses a special camera to enable your doctor to observe these vibrations in slow motion. The camera is connected to an endoscope, which is a thin and flexible tube. This detailed view allows your doctor to see how the vocal cords are vibrating, which indicates how a vocal cord condition or lesion impacts their movement.
What Happens During a Videostroboscopy?
Your ENT will explain each step of the videostroboscopy process and address any questions or concerns you may have. To begin, they will apply numbing medication to the inside of your nose, which will spread to your throat to ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure.
Your ENT will put a microphone around your neck to record your vocal sounds. Next, they will insert an endoscope through your nose and to the back of your throat. They will ask you to speak or make sounds while they capture video of your vocal cords. This usually takes between 15 and 20 minutes.
What To Expect After the Test
The numbing medication may take several hours to wear off completely, and it is normal to be unable to feel your nose and throat very well during this time. You may need to avoid eating until it wears off since swallowing may be difficult.
Your physician may discuss the procedure’s results right after the test. Depending on what the exam showed, you might receive a diagnosis right away, or further testing may be required. Whether a definitive diagnosis is made after a videostroboscopy or later testing, our team is here to support you.
Personalized Care for Every Patient
The world is full of opportunities for experiences, but when ear, nose and throat (ENT) related issues become an obstacle, the richness of life fades into the background. At Mid-Michigan ENT, we understand the profound impact these challenges can have on your confidence and happiness. That’s why our medical experts are here to diagnose, educate, guide and determine the best solution for your unique situation. You are not alone in this journey.