Laryngospasm in neurological diseases

Abstract

Laryngospasm is a clinical symptom characterized by involuntary spasms of the laryngeal muscles, which leads to paroxysms of coughing, inspiratory stridor, and sometimes to episodes of complete upper-airway occlusion. Although laryngospasm is a symptom mainly seen in otolaryngeal diseases and in the context of anesthesiological complications, it also occurs in neurological disorders. In this review of the occurrence of laryngospasms in neurological diseases, the clinical symptomatology, additional circumstances, possible underlying causes, and therapeutic options are presented.