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Preface

Published online: November 9, 2020

Prasad VMN, Remacle M (eds): Advances in Neurolaryngology. Adv Otorhinolaryngol. Basel, Karger, 2020, vol 85, pp VII (DOI: 10.1159/000508221)

Preface

Neurolaryngology, although not a new subspecialty in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, remains less well understood with plenty of potential for research and development. Simply stated, it concerns the neurological aspects that affect the larynx, i.e. motor, sensory, somatic, and autonomic. The complexity that hides beneath this basic categorization is however mind-boggling, and a full understanding of the interplay between the neural connections between the brain, larynx, and other structures such as the pharynx and lungs related to proper laryngeal function remains elusive.

Given the incomplete understanding of neurophysiology, it goes unsaid that our scope of treatment in neurolaryngological pathology remains predominantly symptomatic as many of the causes are poorly understood if at all. Examples of common conditions such as vocal fold paresis which can be idiopathic continue to challenge laryngologists as do many generalized neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and spasmodic dysphonia.

There has been an increasing amount of interest in the last decade in neurolaryngology, with several new books on the subject and greater literature published on diagnostic approaches and techniques, therapeutic interventions, and the like. A multidisciplinary approach to patients’ problems is increasingly common with cross discipline interaction involving otolaryngologists, neurologists, radiologists, respiratory physicians, neurophysiologists, speech pathologists, and so on.

This book aims to provide the readership with a comprehensive overview of the advances in neurolaryngology from a group of experts in various medical specialties. We hope that the chapters provided will add to the current body of literature without excessive repetition and add fresh perspectives for the audience. We hope that the division of the sections will allow the readership to delve into the areas they find most interesting while keeping a methodical approach to the subject. Several chapters offer a very different narration of the subject such as that on “Visual Laryngology” and “Hidden Anatomy of Opera Singers” as was our intention from the conception of this project. Perhaps fresher perspectives are in order to keep this field alive and our concepts open to innovation.

We would like to thank our contributors who have offered their valuable time and energy for their input. Their sterling efforts and participation have provided an international mosaic with representation from countries across several continents and health systems. We would also like to thank Prof. Patrick Bradley for his support and sage advice during the course of this project and the team from Karger publishers.

Vyas M.N. Prasad, Singapore, Singapore

Marc Remacle, Eich, Luxembourg