Author(s)
Ashley P. O'Connell Ferster, MD
Amanda Hu, MD
Affiliation(s)
Penn State Milton Hershey Medical Center
Abstract:
Introduction: Laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) is a procedure used to assess laryngeal neuromuscular function. As with other in-office procedures, pre-procedure anxiety and discomfort certainly exists, but has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to evaluate pain and tolerability of LEMG. Methods: A prospective study was conducted with adult patients undergoing LEMG. Patients reported their anticipated pain level using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) prior to the procedure. VAS was administered again after the procedure, along with the validated McGill pain questionnaire, to gauge patient’s pain perception after having experienced LEMG. Results: Preliminary results were reviewed for 32 patients (mean age 54.1 ± 3.8 years, 40.6% male, VHI-10 15.2 ± 11.6). Pre-procedure VAS pain scores (4.5 ± 2.6 out of 10) were not significantly different than post-procedure VAS pain scores (5.0 ± 2.6) (p = NS). McGill Pain questionnaire reported a score of 29.7 ± 19.32 out of 78. Females anticipated a higher pre-procedure VAS pain score (5.4 ± 2.4) than males (3.2 ± 2.3) (p = 0.02); however, post-procedure scores were not significantly different between genders. The following factors did not influence the pain scores: age, laryngeal diagnosis, professional voice use, history of previous EMG, chronic pain diagnosis, psychiatric diagnosis, pain/psychiatric medications. All LEMG were completed without any complications. Conclusion: Patients appropriately anticipated their pain levels for the LEMG, which may be attributed to proper patient education and counselling before the procedure. Overall pain levels were low and all LEMGs were completed; thus, LEMG was well tolerated.