Spasmodic dysphonia
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| Spasmodic dysphonia | |
|---|---|
| Animation of vocal fold movement | |
| Synonyms | Laryngeal dystonia |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Voice breaks, hoarseness, strained or strangled voice |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Typically adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Neurological disorder |
| Risks | Genetic predisposition, stress |
| Diagnosis | Laryngoscopy, voice analysis |
| Differential diagnosis | Muscle tension dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Botulinum toxin injections, voice therapy |
| Medication | Botulinum toxin |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic voice disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the laryngeal muscles, which cause interruptions in speech and affect the voice quality. It is a type of dystonia, a neurological movement disorder.
Types[edit]
Spasmodic dysphonia is classified into three main types based on the muscles affected:
Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia[edit]
This is the most common form, where the muscles that bring the vocal folds together (adductors) spasm, causing the voice to sound strained or strangled.
Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia[edit]
In this less common form, the muscles that separate the vocal folds (abductors) spasm, resulting in a breathy or whispery voice.
Mixed Spasmodic Dysphonia[edit]
This rare form involves both adductor and abductor spasms, leading to a combination of voice symptoms.
Symptoms[edit]
The primary symptom of spasmodic dysphonia is a voice that is interrupted by involuntary muscle movements. This can manifest as:
- Strained or strangled voice
- Breathy or whispery voice
- Intermittent breaks in speech
- Tremor in the voice
Causes[edit]
The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown, but it is believed to involve abnormal functioning in the basal ganglia, a part of the brain that helps control movement. It may have a genetic component and can be triggered by stress or upper respiratory infections.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia is typically made by a team of specialists, including an otolaryngologist, a neurologist, and a speech-language pathologist. The evaluation may include:
- Laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal folds
- Voice analysis
- Neurological examination
Treatment[edit]
There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but several treatments can help manage the symptoms:
Botulinum Toxin Injections[edit]
Botulinum toxin injections into the affected muscles are the most common treatment, providing temporary relief by weakening the muscles and reducing spasms.
Voice Therapy[edit]
Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist can help patients develop strategies to improve voice control and reduce strain.
Surgery[edit]
In some cases, surgical interventions such as selective laryngeal denervation-reinnervation may be considered.
Prognosis[edit]
Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic condition that can significantly impact quality of life. While treatments can help manage symptoms, ongoing therapy is often necessary.
