Superior laryngeal nerve block for neurogenic cough: A case series.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate that an in-office superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) block with lidocaine and steroids is an effective alternative to neuromodulators for patients with neurogenic cough.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study.

METHODS

A retrospective review of 10 patients who underwent in office nerve block to the laryngeal nerve (SLN) for neurogenic cough. Demographic data and pre- and postcough survey index are the measure outcomes. Follow-up was 3-6 months.

RESULTS

We find that all patients in this study that underwent an SLN block showed significant improvement in cough severity index (CSI). The average number of blocks was 2.3. The mean follow-up time from the first SLN block is 3.4 months. The mean CSI improvement 16.30. 95% confidence interval, 11.44-21.16;  < .0001. All patients in this study completed at least one session of cough suppression therapy with speech language pathology (SLP). No patients were on neuromodulators at the time of the SLN block.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a role for in-office SLN block with lidocaine and steroids for patients with neurogenic cough, and can be an effective alternative to neuromodulators.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.