Spasmodic dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a muscle movement disorder that causes the vocal cords to spasm, interrupting speech and the quality of the voice. Spasmodic dysphonia can cause closing of the vocal folds during vowel sounds (adductor) or prolonged opening during consonant sounds (abductor) due to muscle spasms. Spasmodic dysphonia can also cause the voice to be tight and break up the pattern of speech. It may also result in a breathy, whispered vocal pattern. A patient may have trouble coordinating speech with breathing and may experience excessive air loss while talking.

Spasmodic dysphonia may begin at any age, though is it more common in people aged forty to fifty. Women are more likely to develop spasmodic dysphonia than men. The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown, but medical experts believe damage to the basal ganglia of the brain is responsible for this neurological condition. The onset of spasmodic dysphonia is usually gradual and occurs without any explanation or physical anomaly.

Symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia may improve with changes in speech, such as whispering, speaking in a high voice, or singing. Coughing, laughing, and crying are not usually affected by spasmodic dysphonia. Spasmodic dysphonia symptoms are only present when the person begins to speak and can vary throughout the day.

Spasmodic dysphonia has no known cure. There are treatments available to reduce the symptoms that develop as a result of this condition, though. The goal of spasmodic dysphonia treatment is to improve the quality of a person’s voice and mitigate symptoms. Medications are generally not a reliable treatment for spasmodic dysphonia. Certain medications, such as baclofen, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergics, may help patients who have other types of focal dystonia in addition to spasmodic dysphonia.

The most effective treatment of spasmodic dysphonia is Botox, or botulinum toxin. While this treatment is better known for its cosmetic applications, it is also safe and effective in treating spasmodic dysphonia. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles of the vocal region, thereby greatly mitigating muscle spasms. There are some side effects that may occur with this treatment that a patient will want to discuss further with their health care professional.

Surgery is also possible if other treatment options fail. The spasmodic dysphonia surgery involves cutting the nerve of the affected vocal cord and re-innervating the corresponding muscle with another muscle to prevent atrophy. This procedure may be followed by Botox injection if needed.

If you would like to learn more about spasmodic dysphonia, please contact us to speak with a qualified and experienced legal professional in your area.