Correlation between Functional MRI And Voice Improvement Following Type I Thyroplasty in Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis—A Case Study

SummaryThe objectives of this study are to describe central nervous system modulation associated with voice improvement following Type I thyroplasty in a patient with glottic insufficiency secondary to unilateral vocal fold paralysis. Serial functional magnetic resonance imaging scans were performed before as well as one and six months after thyroplasty. Paradigms consisting of four voice production tasks and a motor control task were completed. Volumes of activation within regions activated during each task were measured. Acoustic and aerodynamic measures were also obtained. A widespread network of neural activations was shown for all tasks. Differences in volumes of activation 1-month postsurgery positively correlated with acoustic and aerodynamic improvements. Sixth months following medialization, lesser volumes of activation were observed in all regions. Prior to this session, however, the patient's mediastinal disease progressed, leading to a significant deterioration in voice. Functional differences between patient brain maps yield new information about the central nervous system's ability to reorganize sensorimotor representations associated with voice improvement following Type I thyroplasty in a patient with glottic insufficiency secondary to unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP).