Pharyngeal Spasm

Pharyngeal spasm is involuntary contraction of pharyngeal/palatal muscles, either organic (bulbar palsy, tetanus, rabies, strychnine) or functional (globus, anxiety, cricopharyngeal spasm), presenting with throat tightness, choking sensation, dysphagia, and palatal movements. Treatment: exclude organic causes (neurology/infectious disease); reassure; speech/swallow therapy; anxiolytics if functional; treat tetanus/rabies/strychnine urgently; botulinum toxin for cricopharyngeal spasm; monitor airway.

Common Symptoms

Throat tightness/choking; dysphagia; palatal movements; by organic/functional

Causes and Pathogenesis

Neurogenic/toxin/functional causes involuntary pharyngeal muscle contraction.

Treatment

Exclude organic cause; reassure; swallow therapy; treat cause; botulinum for cricopharyngeal spasm

Preventive Measures

Treat neurologic/infectious disease; anxiety management.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the ENT/Neurology/Logopedics department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.