Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Treatment of Neurogenic Cough.

Objectives: This study aimed to add to the body of evidence for efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve (SLN) blocks for treatment of neurogenic cough. Efficacy at short- and long-term intervals are presented as well as relationships with laryngoscopic findings.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients treated with SLN block between 2018 and 2020 was conducted. Patient demographics, videostroboscopic findings, and patient-subjective perception of outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Cough Severity Index (CSI) scores from pre-injection, short-term follow-up, and long-term follow-up were compared.

Results: Twenty patients underwent SLN block in the clinic setting. Four patients were excluded for incomplete records. The indication was neurogenic cough refractory to medical management and/or cough suppression therapy. Patients with short-term follow-up (n = 13) had statistically significant decrease in CSI scores, with a mean baseline CSI of 24.3 decreasing to 16.15 (P = .006). Patients with evidence of Vocal Fold Motion/Vibratory Abnormalities (VFA) (n = 8) showed improvement in short-term CSI scores, with a mean baseline CSI of 24.13 decreasing to 14.5 (P = .004). Those without evidence of VFA did not have statistically significant improvement in short-term CSI scores. At long-term follow-up, patients with VFA had improvements that approached statistical significance with a mean baseline CSI of 22.56 decreasing to 14.56 (P = .057), while patients without VFA showed no improvement.

Conclusions: Our results are consistent with previous literature indicating efficacy of SLN block. The presence of VFA may be an indicator of patients who experience increased therapeutic effect.

Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2676-E2680, 2021.