How is videostroboscopy performed?
This procedure is completed using a rigid endoscope placed in the mouth or a flexible endoscope passed through the nose. While holding on to the tip of your tongue with gauze, the physician inserts the scope along the tongue towards the back of the mouth. The cords are viewed from this position. During their Videostroboscopy Novi patients are asked to produce sounds at a variety of pitch and loudness levels. The examination is digitally recorded, allowing the patient to view the video following completion.
The test lasts only a few minutes and is not painful. In the rare case that a patient cannot tolerate the oral scope, topical anesthesia may be applied to minimize a hypersensitive gag reflex. Stroboscopy may also be completed via a thin, flexible endoscope. The flexible endoscope is passed through the nose and is suspended in the throat above the vocal cords. In this procedure, the nose is numbed with topical anesthetic. The examination is completed in the same fashion as described above. Use of the flexible scope is dependent upon diagnosis and tolerance of rigid oral scope.
