laryngospasm scenariolaryngospasm scenario
More specifically, laryngeal closure reflex involves the laryngeal intrinsic muscles responsible for vocal folds adduction, i.e. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. First-level studies evaluate the effect of training in a controlled environment (in simulation). In children with URI, the use of an endotracheal tube (ETT) may increase by 11-fold the risk of respiratory adverse events, in comparison with a facemask.11Less invasive airway management could be beneficial in children with airway hyperactivity. Laryngospasm: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments - WebMD Here are some important features to keep in mind: Complete blockage may present as just apnea; Can be preceded by high-pitched inspiratory stridor, followed by complete airway obstruction tracheal tug, indrawing), vomiting or desaturation. Anesth Analg 1991; 73:26670, Rachel Homer J, Elwood T, Peterson D, Rampersad S: Risk factors for adverse events in children with colds emerging from anesthesia: A logistic regression. Br J Anaesth 2001; 86:21722, Mark LC: Treatment of laryngospasm by digital elevation of tongue (letter). This topic is beyond the scope of this article but was recently described elsewhere.37Eighty percent of negative pressure pulmonary edema cases occur within min after relief of the upper airway obstruction, but delayed onset is possible with cases reported up to 46 h later. Laryngospasm treatment depends on the underlying cause. Although the efficacy of subhypnotic doses of propofol has been suggested in children, there is a possibility that these doses are inadequate in infants, especially in those younger than 1 yr. Postanesthesia Care Unit Simulation: Acute Upper Airway Obst - LWW But if you have laryngospasms often, you should schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. A competence-based training that includes a structured curriculum and regular workplace-based assessment may help mitigate the effects of caseload reduction. J Pediatr 1985; 106:6259, Nishino T, Isono S, Tanaka A, Ishikawa T: Laryngeal inputs in defensive airway reflexes in humans. For instance, coughing can be voluntarily inhibited. , the lateral cricoarytenoid, thyroarytenoid, and cricothyroid muscles. If youve experienced a laryngospasm, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998; 118:8802, Gulhas N, Durmus M, Demirbilek S, Togal T, Ozturk E, Ersoy MO: The use of magnesium to prevent laryngospasm after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy: A preliminary study. Laryngospasm scenario. More needed than oxygen! PEEP! Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. There is a need to fill this knowledge gap and to answer questions about what types of clinical education and what type of management algorithm result in better outcome. On the other hand, attempts to provide positive-pressure ventilation with a facemask may distend the stomach, increasing the risk of gastric regurgitation. Prevention of laryngospasm. If IV access cannot be established in emergency, succinylcholine may be given by an alternative route.5354Intramuscular succinylcholine has been recommended at doses ranging from 1.5 to 4 mg/kg.53The main drawback of intramuscular administration is the slow onset in comparison with the IV route. PDF Paediatric Airway Management: A few tips and tricks - Royal Children's margin-top: 20px; Portuguese. can occur spontaneously, most commonly associated with extubation or ENT procedures CAUSES Local extubation especially children with URTI symptoms 14%, relative risk 1.2, 95% CI 1.11.3; P= 0.001). Can J Anaesth 2004; 51:45564, Goldmann K, Ferson DZ: Education and training in airway management. He is also a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University. Laryngospasm, particularly during inhalational induction and after extubation, is an important cause of apnea that all anesthesiologists who care for pediatric patients should understand and anticipate. Furthermore, the efficacy of propofol to break complete laryngospasm when bradycardia is present has been questioned.4In our case, two bolus doses of 5 mg IV propofol (each representing a dose of 0.6 mg/kg) were administered but did not relieve airway obstruction. Evidence on this subject is scarce, but the study by von Ungern-Sternberg et al. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Recognizing laryngospasm - laryngospasm can occur spontaneously and be life-threatening, making it important that you be able to recognize it immediately. Laryngospasm can sometimes occur after an endotracheal tube is removed from the throat. First, the introduction of working hour limitations in virtually all Western countries has decreased the number of pediatric cases performed by trainees.71Second, most anesthetics given to children are administered by nonspecialists whose lack of experience and inability to maintain their skill set for children is a problem. It should be noted that hypoxia ultimately relaxes the vocal cords and permits positive pressure ventilation to proceed easily. Rev Bras Anestesiol. To confirm the diagnosis, your healthcare provider may look at your vocal cords with a laryngeal endoscope. A new episode of laryngospasm was immediately suspected. He is retaining oxygen saturations > 94 percent. Laryngospasm Administer 100% oxygen via nasal mask Suction the oropharynx, hypopharynx, and nasopharynx with a tonsil suction tip Suction/remove all blood, saliva, and foreign material from the oral cavity Pack the surgical site to prevent bleeding into the hypopharynx Draw the tongue and/or mandible forward Laryngospasm is the sustained closure of the vocal cords resulting in the partial or complete loss of the patient's airway. Evaluation and Management of Psychiatric Emergencies in the - JEMS Like any other crisis, such management requires the application of appropriate knowledge, technical skills, and teamwork skills (or nontechnical skills). #mergeRow-gdpr { Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Ending the Opioid Crisis - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. A "can't ventilate, can't intubate" scenario may be prolonged when rocuronium is administered. The vocal cords are two fibrous bands inside the voice box (larynx) at the top of the windpipe (trachea). Extubation guidelines: management of laryngospasm Our providers specialize in head and neck surgery and oncology; facial plastic and reconstructive surgery; comprehensive otolaryngology; laryngology; otology, neurotology and lateral skull base disorders; pediatric otolaryngology; rhinology, sinus and skull base surgery; surgical sleep; dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and allied hearing, speech and balance services. As they correctly point out, laryngospasm is a serious complication and must be promptly managed to avoid serious physiological disturbance. ANESTHESIOLOGY 1998; 89:12934, Reber A, Paganoni R, Frei FJ: Effect of common airway manoeuvres on upper airway dimensions and clinical signs in anaesthetized, spontaneously breathing children. In addition, a video of a simulated layngospasm scenario is available (See video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/ALN/A807, which demonstrates the management of a simulated laryngospasm in a 10-month-old boy). For laryngeal closure reflex, several types of receptors can be distinguished, according to their specific sensitivities to cold, pressure, laryngeal motion, and chemical agents.19,21The chemoreceptors are sensitive to fluids with low chloride or high potassium concentrations, as well as to strong acidic or alkaline solutions.19,21. Pulmonary complications. Example Plan for a neonate! Journal of Voice. Below a cardiac temperature of 28C, the heart may suddenly and spontaneously arrest. Stimulation of upper airway mucosa also produces cardiovascular (alterations of the arterial pressure, bradycardia, etc.) Laryngospasm may not be obvious it may present as increased work of breathing (e.g. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The exercise is then followed by a debriefing session during which constructive feedback is provided. Paroxysmal Laryngospasm: A Rare Condition That Respiratory Physicians Must Distinguish from Other Diseases with a Chief Complaint of Dyspnea. background: #fff; Therefore, the injection of IV succinylcholine was required to treat this persistent laryngospasm. But it can be a symptom of other conditions, including: Left untreated, laryngospasm caused by anesthesia can be fatal. acute dystonic reactions; rarely associated with ketamine procedural sedation. ANESTHESIOLOGY 2007; 107:7149, Tait AR, Burke C, Voepel-Lewis T, Chiravuri D, Wagner D, Malviya S: Glycopyrrolate does not reduce the incidence of perioperative adverse events in children with upper respiratory tract infections. Many methods and techniques of airway manipulation have been proposed. However, children younger than 3 yr may develop 510 URI episodes per year. Anesth Analg 2002; 94:4949, Reber A, Bobbi SA, Hammer J, Frei FJ: Effect of airway opening manoeuvres on thoraco-abdominal asynchrony in anaesthetized children. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Postoperative negative pressure pulmonary edema typically occurs in response to an upper airway obstruction, where patients can generate high negative intrathoracic pressures, leading to a postrelease pulmonary edema. ANESTHESIOLOGY 2005; 103:11428, Patel RI, Hannallah RS, Norden J, Casey WF, Verghese ST: Emergence airway complications in children: A comparison of tracheal extubation in awake and deeply anesthetized patients. Paediatr Anaesth 2007; 17:15461, Guglielminotti J, Constant I, Murat I: Evaluation of routine tracheal extubation in children: Inflating or suctioning technique? clear: left; ,5emergent procedures had a moderately higher risk than elective procedures for perioperative respiratory adverse events, including laryngospasm (17%vs. ANESTHESIOLOGY 1981; 55:599602, Walker RW, Sutton RS: Which port in a storm? Many describe a choking sensation. It should be suspected whenever airway obstruction occurs, particularly in the absence of an obvious supraglottic cause. Training . The brainstem nucleus tractus solitarius is not only an afferent portal, but has interneurons that play an essential role in the genesis of upper airway reflexes.19Little is known about the centers that regulate and program these reflexes. Laryngospasm is one of the many critical situations that any anesthesiologist should be able to manage efficiently. Policy. Management of refractory laryngospasm. Mayo Clinic. There is controversy in the literature regarding the use of inhalational or IV induction agents and associated risk of laryngospasm. Paediatr Anaesth 2002; 12:6258, Batra YK, Ivanova M, Ali SS, Shamsah M, Al Qattan AR, Belani KG: The efficacy of a subhypnotic dose of propofol in preventing laryngospasm following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children. } PEEP! The onset of a vocal cord spasm is sudden, and just as suddenly, it goes away, usually after a few minutes. It is still debated whether tracheal extubation should be performed in awake or deeply anesthetized children to decrease laryngospasm. anaesthesia: laryngospasm. He had been fasting for the past 6 h. Preoperative evaluation was normal (systemic blood pressure 85/50 mmHg, heart rate 115 beats/min, pulse oximetry [SpO2] 99% on room air). demonstrated that in children age 26 yr, laryngeal and respiratory reflex responses differed between sevoflurane and propofol at similar depths of anesthesia, with apnea and laryngospasm being less severe with propofol.33If tracheal intubation is planned, the use of muscle relaxants prevents the risk of laryngospasm.2In contrast, topical anesthesia is probably not effective and the incidence of laryngospasm is even higher when vocal cords are sprayed with aerosolized lidocaine.5, Laryngospasm is commonly caused by systemic painful stimulation if the anesthesia is too light during maintenance. They can perform an examination and find out if there are ways to prevent laryngospasm from happening in the future. , partial or complete) and of the bradycardia as well as the existence of contraindication to succinylcholine. Target Audience: (Staff Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland), and Jos-Manuel Garcia (Technical Coordinator, Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology and Intensive Care, Geneva University Hospitals) for their contribution in the video of the simulated scenario. Accessed Nov. 5, 2021. ANESTHESIOLOGY 2010; 12:98592, McGaghie WC: Medical education research as translational science. Past medical history was unremarkable except for an episode of upper respiratory tract infection 4 weeks ago. Laryngospasm is usually defined as partial or complete airway obstruction associated with increasing abdominal and chest wall efforts to breathe against a closed glottis. other information we have about you. Preference cookies are used to store user preferences to provide content that is customized and convenient for the users, like the language of the website or the location of the visitor. In addition, in complete laryngospasm, there is no air movement, no breath sounds, absence of movement of the reservoir bag, and flat capnogram.3Finally, late clinical signs occur if the obstruction is not relieved including oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, and cyanosis.3. Principal effectors are respiratory muscles (diaphragm, intercostals, abdominals, and upper airway). 2021; doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2020.01.004. Although described in the conscious state and associated with silent reflux, laryngospasm is a problematic reflex which occurs often under general anaesthesia. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 1998; 157:81521, von Ungern-Sternberg BS, Boda K, Schwab C, Sims C, Johnson C, Habre W: Laryngeal mask airway is associated with an increased incidence of adverse respiratory events in children with recent upper respiratory tract infections. PDF Appendix 3: Protocols For Emergencies - American Association of Oral The progressive signs and symptoms are shivering (36C), confusion, disorientation, introversion (35C), amnesia (34C), cardiac arrhythmias (33C), clouding of consciousness (33-30C), LOC (30C), ventricular fibrillation (VF) (28C), and death (25C). If you think youve experienced laryngospasm, talk to your healthcare provider. } Anesth Analg 2007; 104:26570, Bordet F, Allaouchiche B, Lansiaux S, Combet S, Pouyau A, Taylor P, Bonnard C, Chassard D: Risk factors for airway complications during general anaesthesia in paediatric patients. Indian J Anaesth 2010; 54:1326, Behzadi M, Hajimohamadi F, Alagha AE, Abouzari M, Rashidi A: Endotracheal tube cuff lidocaine is not superior to intravenous lidocaine in short pediatric surgeries. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. APPENDIX. This situation has been found to occur in approximately 50% of patients.8The most commonly used muscle relaxant is succinylcholine, but other agents have also been used, including rocuronium and mivacurium.8However, succinylcholine remains the gold standard.4Some authors have suggested the use of a small dose of succinylcholine (0.1 mg/kg) but there is a lack of dose-response study because the study included only three patients.52Therefore, we recommend using IV doses of succinylcholine no less than 0.5 mg/kg. However, a systematic approach based on the model of translational research has recently been proposed in medical education.79In this model, successive rigorous studies are conducted to evaluate the acquisition of skills and knowledge at different outcome levels. There are data supporting the efficacy of structured courses that integrate airway trainers and high fidelity simulation for airway management training.7677Recent evidence also supports the transfer of technical and nontechnical skills acquired during simulation to the clinical setting.78We therefore strongly encourage the integration of simulation-based training for pediatric airway management, including for the management of laryngospasm. It is a primitive protective airway reflex that exists to . ANESTHESIOLOGY 1996; 85:47580, Nishino T: Physiological and pathophysiological implications of upper airway reflexes in humans. The onset of a vocal cord spasm is sudden, and just as suddenly, it goes away, usually after . and bronchomotor reflexes, indicating that not only skeletal but also smooth muscles are involved in upper airway reflexes.19. A characteristic crowing noise may be heard in partial laryngospasm but will be absent in complete laryn-gospasm. 5 of 7 This document is not intended to provide a comprehensiv e discussion of each drug. Br J Anaesth 2009; 103:5669, Wong AK: Full scale computer simulators in anesthesia training and evaluation. Minimally invasive anti-reflux procedures, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. No chest wall movement with no breath sounds on auscultation, Inability to manually ventilate with bag-mask ventilation, ischemic end organ injury (e.g. Learn more about the symptoms here. information submitted for this request. Accessed Nov. 5, 2021. Most of the time, your healthcare provider can diagnose laryngospasm by reviewing your symptoms and medical history. Fig. This content does not have an Arabic version. Hold your breath for five seconds, then repeat until the laryngospasm stops. In: Anesthesia Secrets. In this case, some equipment has high usage demands and becomes scarce throughout the unit. He is a co-founder of theAustralia and New Zealand Clinician Educator Network(ANZCEN) and is the Lead for theANZCEN Clinician Educator Incubatorprogramme. Keech BM, et al. Realistic training with high-fidelity mannequins and other types of simulations represent unique educational tools that can be fully integrated in a residency program based on competency.72Similarly, simulation-based education is being increasingly used for continuing medical education. ANESTHESIOLOGY 1963; 24:585, Al-Metwalli RR, Mowafi HA, Ismail SA: Gentle chest compression relieves extubation laryngospasm in children. According to Phil Larson: This notch is behind the lobule of the pinna of each ear. Understanding the mechanics of laryngospasm is crucial for proper treatment. The purpose of this case scenario is to highlight key points essential for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of laryngospasm occurring during anesthesia. Review/update the Paediatr Anaesth 2003; 13:437, Schreiner MS, O'Hara I, Markakis DA, Politis GD: Do children who experience laryngospasm have an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection? This paper discusses a case study where the patient had laryngospasm, it also looks at the pathophysiology, risk factors and management of . Even though laryngospasms are scary when they happen, they usually dont cause serious problems. The diagnosis of laryngospasm is made and treated, only to reveal persistent hypoxemia and negative-pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE). If youve had recurring laryngospasms, you should see your healthcare provider to find out whats causing them. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. We strongly encourage future studies assessing the effect of training and simulation on the management of laryngospasm in children at various levels of outcomes. Laryngospasm is a rare but frightening experience. The afferent nerves include the trigeminal nerve for the nasopharynx, the glossopharyngeal nerve for the oropharynx and hypopharynx, the superior and recurrent laryngeal nerves, and both branches of the vagus nerve, for the larynx and trachea. If you have any of the conditions listed above, talk to your healthcare provider about ways to reduce your risk for laryngospasms. Laryngospasm is an emergency situation and must be promptly recognized. Shortness of breath. If breathing exercises and pushing on your laryngospasm notch dont relieve your symptoms, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. Accessed Nov. 5, 2021. Unfortunately, laryngospasms usually happen quickly. The child was placed over a forced air warmer (Bear Hugger, Augustine Medical, Inc., Eden Prairie, MN). Paediatr Anaesth 2008; 18:2818, Hampson-Evans D, Morgan P, Farrar M: Pediatric laryngospasm. Manual facemask ventilation became difficult with an increased resistance to insufflation and SpO2dropped rapidly from 98% to 78%, associated with a decrease in heart rate from 115 to 65 beats/min. Paediatr Anaesth 2008; 18:28996, Oberer C, von Ungern-Sternberg BS, Frei FJ, Erb TO: Respiratory reflex responses of the larynx differ between sevoflurane and propofol in pediatric patients. width: auto; font-weight: normal; If the cause is unclear, your doctor may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) to look at your vocal cords with a mirror or small fiberscope to be sure there is no other abnormality. In reports addressing respiratory adverse events, including laryngospasm, the overall incidence of perioperative respiratory events as well as the incidence of laryngospasm was higher in 01-yr-old infants in comparison with older children.2,5,,7The risk of perioperative respiratory adverse event was quoted as decreasing by 8% for each increasing year of age.2A recent large cohort study confirmed this inverse relationship between age and risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events.5This study showed that the relative risk for perioperative respiratory adverse events, particularly laryngospasm, decreased by 11% for each yearly increase in age.5. Fig. Qual Saf Health Care. Suxamethonium injection in a hypoxic patient may lead to severe bradycardia and even to cardiac arrest. Any stimulation in the area supplied by the superior laryngeal nerve, during a light plane of anesthesia, may produce laryngospasm. PubMed PMID: Orliaguet GA, Gall O, Savoldelli GL, Couloigner V. Case scenario: perianesthetic management of laryngospasm in children. Place a straw in your mouth and seal your lips around it. display: inline; The final decision depends on the severity of the laryngospasm (i.e. GERD: Can certain medications make it worse? The vocal cords are two fibrous bands inside the voice box (larynx) at the top of the windpipe (trachea). Second-level studies attempt to document the transfer of skills to the clinical setting and patient care. Learning outcomes are difficult to measure. Part A - Laryngospasm case study Introduction Laryngospasm is a medical emergency that can happen to any patient undergoing anaesthesia. This content does not have an English version. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on PDF pan 2446 303. - McGill University padding-bottom: 0px; The SimBaby simulator represents a 9-month-old pediatric patient and provides a highly realistic manikin that meets specific learning objectives focusing on initial assessment and treatment. Can J Anaesth 2010; 57:74550, Sanikop C, Bhat S: Efficacy of intravenous lidocaine in prevention of post extubation laryngospasm in children undergoing cleft palate surgeries. So when in doubt, meticulous observation with aggressive preparation may be reasonable. Their motoneurons are located in the brainstem nucleus ambiguous and the adjacent nucleus retroambigualis. Designing an effective simulation scenario requires careful planning and can be broken into several steps. , gastric acid).24They (mechanical and chemical stimuli) are favored by local inflammation with subsequent alteration of pharyngolaryngeal sensation (URI, gastroesophageal reflux disease, neurologic disorders)20,2526; and factors influencing the central regulation system of upper airway reflexes, such as age.2021, After stimulation of the superior laryngeal nerve, apnea may result from several mechanisms: prolonged laryngeal closure reflex-related laryngeal obstruction (see the previously mentioned risk factors for increased laryngeal closure reflex); decreased swallowing reflex with accumulation of secretions in contact with the larynx vestibule and subsequent laryngeal closure reflex;21,27and centrally controlled apneic reflex possibly related to the diving reflex observed in aquatic mammals and aimed at preventing fluid aspiration in the lower airway. Because these symptoms can be frightening, it is good to have a clear medical plan for prevention and treatment if you have any of these symptoms. Classification and Types of Submersion Injuries and Drowning Scenarios. In the study by von Ungern-Sternberg et al. , at the condyles of the ascending rami of the mandible, then its efficacy would be improved. He has completed fellowship training in both intensive care medicine and emergency medicine, as well as post-graduate training in biochemistry, clinical toxicology, clinical epidemiology, and health professional education. Laryngospasm mechanism - OpenAnesthesia Jpn J Physiol 2000; 50:314, Thompson DM, Rutter MJ, Rudolph CD, Willging JP, Cotton RT: Altered laryngeal sensation: A potential cause of apnea of infancy. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 21,22. . Both reflexes are sometimes considered as a single phylogenetic reflex.20The neuronal pathways underlying upper airway reflexes include an afferent pathway, a common central integration network, and an efferent pathway.19. Qual Saf Health Care 2005; 14:e3, Fernandez E, Williams DG: Training and the European Working Time Directive: A 7 year review of paediatric anaesthetic trainee caseload data. The first step of laryngospasm management is prevention. An example of such a simulation-training scenario of a laryngospasm, including a description of the session and the debriefing, can be found in the appendix. Dry Drowning - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics The treatment includes opening and clearing the oropharynx, applying CPAP with 100% oxygen, followed by deepening of anaesthesia usually with an i.v . Laryngospasm (luh-RING-go-spaz-um) is a transient and reversible spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily makes it difficult to speak or breathe. It is not the same as choking. Laryngospasm in anaesthesia | BJA Education | Oxford Academic Br J Anaesth 1998; 81:6925, Krodel DJ, Bittner EA, Abdulnour R, Brown R, Eikermann M: Case scenario: Acute postoperative negative pressure pulmonary edema. Adapted from Hampson-Evans D, Morgan P, Farrar M: Pediatric laryngospasm. Practiss - Welcome Exhale through pursed lips. Laryngospasm (luh-RING-go-spaz-um) is a transient and reversible spasm of the vocal cords that temporarily makes it difficult to speak or breathe. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). A 0.2-mg IV bolus dose of atropine was injected and IV succinylcholine was given at a dose of 16 mg, followed by tracheal intubation. Inexperience of the anesthetist is also associated with an increased incidence of laryngospasm and perioperative respiratory adverse events.2,5,18Some factors are associated with a lower risk of laryngospasm: IV induction, airway management with facemask, and inhalational maintenance of anesthesia.5Induction and emergence from anesthesia are the most critical periods. Von Ungern-Sternberg et al. Laryngospasm (luh-RING-o-spaz-um) is a condition in which your vocal cords suddenly spasm (involuntarily contract or seize). It is frequently observed in fetuses and newborns, whereas later on, laryngeal closure reflex and cough become predominant.21This developmental pattern may be implicated in sudden infant death. Anesth Analg 1978; 57:5067, Schebesta K, Gloglu E, Chiari A, Mayer N, Kimberger O: Topical lidocaine reduces the risk of perioperative airway complications in children with upper respiratory tract infections.
