Adductor spasmodic dysphonia

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) is a specific type of voice disorder known as a neurological voice disorder. It is characterized by involuntary movements or spasms of the vocal cords when they come together or adduct, which results in a strained or strangled voice quality.

Overview

Adductor spasmodic dysphonia is a rare voice disorder that is often misdiagnosed due to its complex nature. It is caused by the overactive contractions of the muscles that control the vocal cords, which results in a voice that can be choppy, strained, or have a tremulous quality. The exact cause of ADSD is unknown, but it is believed to be related to a dysfunction in the nervous system.

Symptoms

The primary symptom of ADSD is a strained or strangled voice quality. Other symptoms may include voice breaks, a decrease in voice volume, and difficulty with pitch control. The severity of these symptoms can vary from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as stress, fatigue, and illness.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of ADSD is typically made by a speech-language pathologist or a laryngologist based on a comprehensive voice evaluation. This evaluation may include a detailed medical history, a physical examination of the throat and vocal cords, and specialized voice tests.

Treatment

Treatment for ADSD typically involves a combination of voice therapy and botulinum toxin injections into the vocal cords. Voice therapy can help to improve voice quality and reduce vocal strain, while botulinum toxin injections can help to reduce the overactive muscle contractions that cause the voice symptoms.

See also

• Dysphonia
• Spasmodic dysphonia
• Voice therapy
• Botulinum toxin