Abductor spasmodic dysphonia

Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia (ADSD) is a rare neurological disorder that affects the vocal cords. It is characterized by involuntary movements or spasms of the vocal cords causing interruptions of speech and changes in voice quality.

Overview

Spasmodic dysphonia, also known as laryngeal dystonia, is a type of dystonia that affects the muscles that control the vocal cords. This results in a voice that can be strained, breathy, or have a tremor. There are two main types of spasmodic dysphonia: adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) and abductor spasmodic dysphonia (ABSD). This article focuses on the latter.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of abductor spasmodic dysphonia is a weak, breathy voice. This is due to the vocal cords being held apart by spasms, preventing them from coming together and producing sound normally. Other symptoms may include difficulty speaking, a hoarse or shaky voice, and occasional loss of voice.

Causes

The exact cause of abductor spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to a problem in the basal ganglia, a part of the brain that controls movement. Some researchers believe that it may be genetic, as some cases have been seen to run in families.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of abductor spasmodic dysphonia is typically made by a speech-language pathologist or a laryngologist based on the symptoms, voice analysis, and examination of the larynx. Other tests, such as electromyography (EMG), may also be used.

Treatment

While there is no cure for abductor spasmodic dysphonia, treatments are available to help manage the symptoms. These may include voice therapy, botulinum toxin injections into the vocal cords, and in some cases, surgery.

See also

• Dystonia
• Spasmodic dysphonia
• Vocal cord