Stuttering is a psychosomatic condition with a high degree of social dysfunction characterized by involuntary interruptions in the flow of speech. The etiology is considered to be multifactorial. Speech therapy is the first-line treatment, and therapeutic alternatives have been proposed with different pharmacological agents. In this case report, we describe the use of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) in the facial muscles for treating a patient with developmental stuttering which showed a significant temporary improvement after undergoing the procedure. This is a single-subject study. In the current medical literature, there are a few descriptions of using BTX-A injections in the intrinsic laryngeal muscles with favorable results, but no reports of its use in facial muscles for the treatment of stuttering. Therefore, this report may be important to highlight BTX-A as a safe and effective option when managing to stutter. Hopefully, it will assist in the search for effective treatment and form part of the multi-disciplinary approach in the treatment of stuttering, helping these patients to reduce their social dysfunction and improve their speech and their lives.

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Background: “Lifestyle changes and gastroesophageal reflux disorder [GERD]” is an increasingly emerging concept in voice practice (ENT and speech-language pathologist [SLP]) in India. The treatment protocol in vogue is initially a change in lifestyle with or without medical therapy. Materials and Methods: This study profiled lifestyle patterns and acoustic analysis findings of voice in 30 participants who were clinically diagnosed (symptoms and laryngoscopy findings) with GERD, and compared them with 30 participants without symptoms of GERD. Results: In this study, the highest frequency of occurrence of GERD was found in the fourth decade of life. More than 70% of the participants were nonvegetarians, coffee “lovers,” and consumed high-fat laden food rich with Indian spices. Eating habits, stress levels, voice use, and sleep habits were dependent on occupation. Majority (94%) of the participants were in sedentary, “high-stress” jobs, that induce such habits. Common symptoms reported were retrosternal burning sensation, water brash, throat irritation and pain, dry cough, and voice change. Perceptual analysis revealed low-pitched phonation, hoarseness, and breathiness (moderate to severe) as the most deviant parameters. Acoustic analysis showed deviant frequency and perturbation measures compared to participants without GERD symptoms (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The possible causes and factors contributing to voice changes with GERD that pertains to this geographical location, culture, food habits, and ethnic group are explained in this article.

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Background: A bedside scoring to assess swallowing status and the presence of aspiration may sometimes be misleading. Hence, an objective evaluation by endoscopy is desirable. Aims: The aim of this study is to confirm whether a bedside scoring system for poststroke dysphagia correlates well with fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Settings and Design: This was an institutional prospective observational pilot study. Materials and Methods: Gugging swallowing screen (GUSS) score, FEES, and patients with dysphagia following stroke were used in this study. Statistical Analysis: Spearman's nonparametric rank correlation test for independent variables was used in this study. Results: A statistically significant positive correlation exists between the bedside score and findings of FEES. FEES is a convenient and convincing method to confirm aspiration in patients with stroke and is also a means for patient education. Conclusions: FEES may be safely and conveniently performed in patients with poststroke dysphagia to confirm the presence or absence of aspiration.

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Background: Tracheotomy is one of the oldest procedures in medical science. In children, its role began as an emergency procedure to relieve stridor of infectious origin. There has been a change in the indications of tracheotomy over the past few years due to change in the epidemiology of pediatric diseases and advanced medical facilities. Still, a severe lacuna exists in the literature regarding the timing and indications of pediatric tracheotomy. It is a dilema for an otolaryngologist as to when he is justified in giving a child this added morbidity. Aims: To study the changing indications in a pediatric tracheotomy at a tertiary care center. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 56 children who underwent tracheotomy was carried out over 4 years period at a tertiary care hospital in Punjab. Results: Out of 56 children studied, 19% of children had a tracheotomy for infectious etiology, 41% had a tracheotomy for prolonged intubation 5.3% for laryngotracheal stenosis, and 16% for head injury. Conclusion: With the development of advanced pediatric anesthesia techniques and vaccinations the role of pediatric tracheotomy is changing from an emergency life savior to a more elective procedure. Globalization with regards to the timing and indications of pediatric tracheotomy is the need of the hour to improve the overall mortality of children from various diseases.

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Schwannomas are benign encapsulated nerve sheath tumors and are unusual in the larynx. Only about 100 cases have been reported worldwide. We report a case of an 18-years-old male having progressive dysphagia and dysphonia for 5 months. We have discussed clinicopathological and radiological findings and surgical management.

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