Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia, also called laryngeal dystonia, is a voice disorder. It is characterized by involuntary spasms or movements in the muscles of the larynx, which causes the voice to break, and have a tight, strained, or strangled sound.The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is not known. Most cases are believed to be caused by a nervous system disorder and may occur with other movement disorders.
There are TWO common types of spasmodic dysphonia:
Treatment for spasmodic dysphonia
Specific treatment for spasmodic dysphonia will be determined by your physician based on several things such as the extent of the disease, your tolerance for specific procedures and your preference. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms of the disorder. Treatment options include:
Botulinum toxin: Botulinum toxin A is injected into the affected muscles of the larynx. This is done within a few minutes in the office with very little discomfort for the patient. This will temporarily weaken the muscle and reduce the dysphonia. Symptoms will usually return after 3-4 month and patients will return for repeat botulinum toxin injection.
Spasmodic dysphonia, also called laryngeal dystonia, is a voice disorder. It is characterized by involuntary spasms or movements in the muscles of the larynx, which causes the voice to break, and have a tight, strained, or strangled sound.The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is not known. Most cases are believed to be caused by a nervous system disorder and may occur with other movement disorders.
There are TWO common types of spasmodic dysphonia:
- Adductor spasmodic dysphonia : Characterized by sudden involuntary spasms that cause the vocal cords to slam together and stiffen. Speech sounds are strained and full of effort. Spasms do not occur when whispering, laughing, singing, speaking at a high pitch, or speaking while breathing in.
- Abductor spasmodic dysphonia : Characterized by sudden involuntary spasms that cause the vocal cords to open. Speech sounds are weak, quiet, and whispery. Spasms do not occur when laughing or singing.
Treatment for spasmodic dysphonia
Specific treatment for spasmodic dysphonia will be determined by your physician based on several things such as the extent of the disease, your tolerance for specific procedures and your preference. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms of the disorder. Treatment options include:
Botulinum toxin: Botulinum toxin A is injected into the affected muscles of the larynx. This is done within a few minutes in the office with very little discomfort for the patient. This will temporarily weaken the muscle and reduce the dysphonia. Symptoms will usually return after 3-4 month and patients will return for repeat botulinum toxin injection.