Characteristic patterns of laryngeal dysfunction due to central neurologic disease are documented by 16 mm ciné photography. Representative patients are used to describe typical patterns of abnormal laryngeal function which occur in upper motor neuron, extrapyramidal, cerebellar, nuclear and mixed foci of lesions. The pitfall of brief indirect laryngoscopy without visual documentation is emphasized as a factor in misdiagnosis of patients with laryngeal disease of central origin. The value of more careful evaluation of similar patients is emphasized in relation to better understanding of laryngeal function and improved patient care.