What Are Videoendoscopic or Stroboscopic Evaluations?
These procedures are used to view the larynx (voice box), swallowing mechanism (throat) and velopharyngeal port (the area between your nose and throat that regulates the amount of nasality present in speech). As part of the diagnostic or therapeutic process, your referring physician may ask a SLP to complete either or both of these procedures. Videoendoscopy is completed using either a flexible or rigid endoscope. Flexible endoscopy involves placing a scope through the nose. Rigid endoscopy involves placing a scope into the mouth. For more detailed viewing of the vocal folds during voice production, a stroboscopic light is used to evaluate vocal fold movement and closure patterns. Breathing patterns may also be observed, in conjunction with vocal fold movement. The type of endoscope used for the procedure is dependent on the purpose of the evaluation and the patient’s tolerance for a particular endoscope. In assessment of velopharyngeal functioning, the flexible endoscope is inserted a
