Speech Language Pathology

Videostroboscopy is a high-tech method of recording and observing the motion of the vocal cords. Videostroboscopy’s state-of-the-art technology enables viewing and identifying vocal cord conditions that were previously not visible. This technology assists the physician and speech pathologist with planning medical care. It allows for earlier detection of laryngeal disease, small growths such as nodules or polyps, vocal cord paralysis, structural abnormalities, broken blood vessels, or scarring. The equipment also permits functional voice disorders to be diagnosed and can be used to document patient performance before and after surgery, rehabilitation, radiation, or pharmaceutical intervention.

A scope with a tiny video camera and strobe light is placed in the patient’s mouth. Video equipment, a rapid flashing light source (stroboscope), and an endoscope are combined with a computer as the basic tools used to perform the examination. The camera projects a moving image of the vocal cords, frame by frame, onto the computer monitor. Videostroboscopy makes the vibrations of the vocal cords appear to be seen in slow motion, thus allowing abnormalities to be viewed more clearly. These images are immediately retrieved as a video recording or as a still photo. From the visual images, an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.

The videostroboscopy team includes Barbara Guillette, MD, a board-certified otolaryngologist (a physician who specializes in the care of the ear, nose, and throat), and the speech-language pathology team member, who hold specialized certifications in videostroboscopy.