Laryngeal, Pharyngeal and Respiratory Involvement in Palatal Tremor.

OBJECTIVE: To present cases of atypical palatal tremor (PT) and showcase the variable phenomenology of this condition.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series.

RESULTS: PT, or palatal myoclonus, is a movement disorder characterized by brief, involuntary rhythmic muscular contractions of the soft palate. Variants of PT have been described and include synchronous tremors in other branchial arch derivatives including the larynx, pharynx, neck, face, jaw, ocular and also respiratory and trunk muscles. We present 3 cases, including clinical videos, of atypical PT with extra-palatal manifestations, in addition to a brief discussion of the pathophysiology and management of this condition.

CONCLUSION: Variations of PT are of interest to the practicing otolaryngologist as the clinical spectrum of this condition is wide and can present with laryngeal, pharyngeal, respiratory and other head and neck manifestations.