Upper Motor Neuron Diseases and Laryngeal Presentations

Purpose of ReviewThe purpose of this manuscript is to review laryngeal manifestations of upper motor neuron disease. A review of the relevant neuroanatomy is performed as well as a description of common laryngeal signs of upper motor neuron disease and the disease entities that cause them.Recent FindingsUpper motor neuron lesions must occur in the brainstem or in the bilateral cerebral hemisphere in order to cause signs and symptoms in the larynx.SummaryThe presence of bilateral vocal fold paralysis or paresis with concurrent signs of myoclonus, tremor, rigidity, hyperactive gag reflex, and/or laryngospasm episodes should prompt an investigation for possible medullary brainstem or bilateral cerebral cortex pathology.