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Glossary
Note: Within a definition, words in italics are defined elsewhere in the glossary. Words beginning with * were coined or brought into the language of voice disorders by Dr. Bastian, or to our knowledge are used primarily by BVI physicians and Bastian-trained fellows. Please note that we may be adding terms to this list from time to time. Copyright © 2008 Bastian Voice Institute.
Electroglottography (EGG):
A technology that detects the degree of closure or opening
of the vocal folds by measuring the electrical resistance
between two electrodes placed on either side of the neck.
EGG can give good information about degree of compression
of one vocal fold against the other. It provides a waveform
that represents the closed and open phases of vocal fold movement.
At present, the value of EGG and the measures generated from
this technology may be viewed differently in different institutions/clinics.
At BVI, we believe that these measures offer little to the
typical clinical needs of the diagnostic process, but may
be of interest to those doing voice research and of help in
voice therapy.
Electromyogram (EMG):
A diagnostic study that provides information about the integrity
of the muscles and the nerves in the body. Laryngeal electromyogram
(LEMG), of course, limits the study to muscles and nerves
of the larynx. Intense visual analysis of the larynx can clearly
show the neurological status of three major muscles of the
larynx. BVI physicians are proficient in LEMG and used it
much more often before discovering the visual correlates of
various laryngeal neuropathies. They continue to use LEMG
frequently, however, to perform Botox™
injections for spasmodic dysphonia.
In this procedure, a very small, sterile disposable needle
is inserted into various muscles of the larynx. Then, using
an amplifier, loudspeaker, microprocessor, and other high
tech equipment, the examiner may see and/or hear how the laryngeal
muscles and nerves are working and/or determine the best location
for Botox™ injection.
*Elicitation:
The term itself means to draw or bring forth something that
is latent or otherwise hidden. At BVI, where the integrative
diagnostic model is used, during the vocal
capability battery, the examiner elicits the patient’s
vocal phenomenology to uncover
a working diagnosis, by asking the individual to perform a
variety of vocal tasks designed to uncover the deficit or
abnormal phenomenology. For example, weakness that is not
very evident during quiet conversation may become obvious
when the individual is asked to yell or project the voice.
EMG (electromyogram):
See electromyogram.
Endoscopic surgery:
Refers to surgery done “inside” using a special
scope that goes through the mouth or nose, rather than, for
example, through an incision on the neck. Laryngoscopy
means to look inside the larynx. Esophagoscopy
means to look into the esophagus; while bronchoscopy
means to look inside the tracheobronchial tree of the lungs.
Endotracheal tube: Also
known as a breathing tube, placed during surgery to deliver
oxygen and anesthetic gases in a controlled fashion. It may
also be used in gravely ill persons who need the assistance
of a ventilator. Rarely, it may cause injury to the posterior
part of the larynx, especially when the tube remains in place
for many weeks.
Epidermoid cyst:
A subtype of cyst that primarily affects the vocal fold or
folds of vocal overdoers.
Typically, this type of cyst is most visible on the upper
surface of the vocal fold, and is white in color.
Esophagoscopy:
A procedure by which the examiner looks inside the full length
of the esophagus, as well
as the stomach if desired, in order to diagnose an abnormality
or to take a biopsy of an
abnormal lesion.
Esophagus:
The passageway that connects the throat or pharynx to the
stomach. Technically, the esophagus begins at the upper
esophageal sphincter and ends at the lower
esophageal sphincter.
Essential voice tremor:
A neurological disorder that causes a regular wavering of
the voice, not unlike a singer’s exaggerated vibrato
except that it occurs during speech as well as during singing.
Exercise intolerance:
An inability to participate in any significant level of aerobic
activity without becoming unacceptably short of breath. When
this is the result of airway disturbance (as opposed to heart
or lung disease), the individual may make involuntary breathing
noises, such as stridor,
or involuntary inspiratory phonation.
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