Video Stroboscopy
VoiceOver provides advanced vocal fold evaluations in Rochester, NY.
What Is a Video Stroboscopy?
A video stroboscopy is a medical imaging technique to examine a patient’s vocal folds in action. The procedure involves a camera with a strobe light at the end of a very thin scope that enables us to see the vocal cords in motion. This helps providers identify any abnormal movement patterns for an accurate diagnosis of voice disorders.
Video stroboscopies are quick, relatively painless evaluations that do not require anesthesia. VoiceOver’s speech language pathologists are highly trained and perform many of these evaluations every week. A video stroboscopy generally only requires a few minutes to complete the test and create a video recording of the vocal folds, which is then reviewed as part of a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you’ve had trouble pinpointing the root cause of a voice or swallowing problem, schedule an appointment with our experienced team.
Why Do You Need a Video Stroboscopy?
A video stroboscopy is often part of the initial evaluation before beginning speech therapy. The imaging helps your speech language pathologist understand the underlying mechanics that are contributing to your vocal difficulties.
A video stroboscopy not only gives a real-time look at the vocal folds, but it also creates a recording that can be later studied, referenced, or compared as you progress through vocal therapy.
What Conditions Does a Video Stroboscopy Diagnose?
Video stroboscopies are used in the diagnosis of the reason for your hoarseness, including:
- Lumps and bumps, like polyps and nodules
- Inflammation due to reflux and other causes
- Muscle tension dysphonia
- Vocal cord atrophy
The most common symptoms we encounter are hoarseness, pain or strain with voice use, and voice loss. Patients will describe a persistent raspy voice, even when they don’t have a cold or other respiratory illness. Or, patients notice daily of breathiness or voice cracking when they speak for an extended period of time.
Just like an X-ray confirms a broken bone, a video stroboscopy helps speech language pathologists understand the nature of your vocal fold injury or underlying condition.
Does a Video Stroboscopy Hurt?
VoiceOver uses industry-leading fiber-optic scopes to complete the evaluation. The scopes are very small in diameter, and a special lubricating jelly aids the passage of the scope. Most people experience no pain; some people experience mild discomfort.
When you come in for a video stroboscopy, your speech language pathologist will look down the back of your throat for a comprehensive evaluation. We will ask you to do some simple vocal maneuvers and vocalizations.
The whole process takes 3-5 minutes.
Once we’ve completed our evaluation, we’ll review the recording and develop a personalized treatment plan to overcome your particular condition.
FAQ: Video Stroboscopy
Is a video stroboscopy covered by insurance?
Generally, yes, a video stroboscopy is covered under most insurance plans as a medically necessary evaluation. It’s important to check with your insurance provider for your exact coverage under your plan.
How do you prepare for a video stroboscopy?
There’s no special preparation needed. You can eat normally the day of your appointment. You can return to work and normal activities the same day as the appointment.
Can you get a video stroboscopy for singing?
Yes, video stroboscopies are common evaluations as part of singing voice therapy. If you’ve noticed difficulty in controlling pitch, pain or strain with voice use, or running out of breath while performing, an evaluation of the vocal folds can locate the problem.
Does VoiceOver provide swallowing evaluations?
Our speech language pathologists can also perform a Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) for patients with difficulty swallowing. Contact us to learn more.
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