Abstract
We observed the deglutition movement in MEIGE'S syndrome with dysphagia using a simultaneous four channel electromyogram recording system, an X-ray T. V. and a video-taperecorder to investigate the relationships between muscle action and movement of each part of the food channel in deglutition. Results of the electromyogram suggest that the deglutition reflex was disturbed by a functional disorder in the central nervous system. A remarkable finding in the electromyogram was that the cricopharyngeal muscle had a very short relaxation time, and which disturbed food passage in the pharyngo-esophageal junction. The sternocleidomastoid muscle contracted with each deglutition. Cricopharyngeal and infrahyoid myotomy, probably the adequate treatment for this case, could not be performed due to his refusal.
