Spasmodic dysphonia
Overview
Spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a focal form of dystonia, is a neurological voice disorder that involves involuntary "spasms" of the vocal cords causing interruptions of speech and affecting the voice quality. SD can cause the voice to break up or to have a tight, strained, or strangled quality.
Symptoms
At first, symptoms may be mild. They may occur only occasionally. Later on, they may worsen and become more frequent before they even out. Symptoms may be worse when a person is tired or stressed. They may be greatly reduced or even disappear, for example, during singing or laughing. Spasmodic dysphonia is a disorder characterized by involuntary movements of one or more muscles of the larynx or voice box. The first signs of spasmodic dysphonia are most often found in individuals between 30 and 50 years old. More women appear to be affected by spasmodic dysphonia than men. Voice spasms fluctuate in severity. They may lessen for hours or even days at a time.
Treatment
At present, there is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia. However, several treatment options do exist for voice improvement. Repeat injections of small doses of botulinum toxin (Botox) into one or both vocal cords are frequently recommended. Botox weakens the laryngeal muscles and results in a smoother, less effortful voice because of less forceful closing of the vocal cords. Temporary breathiness or difficulty swallowing sometimes occurs for a short time after injection. Treatment by an SLP may also be recommended following injections to optimize voice production. Psychological or psychiatric counseling is most useful when acceptance of the disorder and learning coping techniques are the desired goals. Career or vocational counseling may also be advised for persons who fear that the disorder threatens their occupation. Participation in local self-help support groups can also promote adjustment to the problem and provide contact with excellent sources of information.