Spasmodic Dysphonia (Laryngeal Dystonia)
Treatment Details
The movement of our vocal cords is under the very precise control of our brain and nervous system. This control allows our vocal cords to open in time when we breathe and to close in time and sufficiently when we speak. Diseases associated with even a slight disruption of this control lead to significant changes in voice quality. The uncontrolled closing or opening of the vocal cords is the most common manifestation of this, and it is referred to as Spasmodic Dysphonia. Its more recently accepted name is Laryngeal Dystonia.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder often related solely to speech. Problems in the connections between the brain centers that control our muscles are the cause of this disease. It can occur at any age, but symptoms most commonly begin between 30 and 40 years old. There are two types: adduction (uncontrolled closing) type and abduction (uncontrolled opening) type. The most common form is adduction type spasmodic dysphonia.
Common symptoms observed in spasmodic dysphonia include:
-Uncontrolled, choked-like interruptions in speech,
-Insufficient breath during speech,
-Consequently, impaired speech intelligibility.
In the treatment of this disease, detailed vocal cord examination, along with acoustic and perceptual evaluations, plays an important role. Unfortunately, because this is not a common disease, patients often remain untreated for long periods due to misdiagnosis.
The most current and accepted treatment for the disease is the application of botulinum toxin (Botox) to the vocal cords. In most cases, very small doses administered in an outpatient setting are sufficient. For a large portion of our patients, this application alone is enough to improve their quality of life related to their voice. While more effective and permanent alternative treatment methods for spasmodic dysphonia are still being researched, injection remains the most valid treatment.
