Symptoms: Patients with unilateral paralysis may have a weak and "breathy" voice, and speaking may require considerable effort. These types differ in their seriousness, symptoms, and treatment. Vocal fold motion impairment is of two major types: unilateral (more common) and bilateral. In order to perform these functions normally, the laryngeal muscles must be able to abduct (open) and adduct (close) the folds. The vocal folds, because of the position in the airway, play a vital role in speech, swallowing, and breathing. This patient has the adductor type of SD.Ī picture of the above patient after Botox Voice therapy is used in conjunction with Botox injections to maximize voice capabilities during the breathy period, minimize the dysfunction as the spasms return, and lengthen the time between injections. Risks and discomfort during the procedure are minimal.Īfter an injection for adductor SD, patients may experience a weak, breathy voice and mild difficulty swallowing for one to two weeks. The effects of Botox injections are usually apparent within 24 hours and last for four to six months. Botox treats the symptoms of SD, but it does not cure the disorder. Botox interferes with the muscle contractions and prevents the spasms associated with SD. Botox is injected into the laryngeal muscles via the neck (just under the adam's apple) using EMG guidance or through the mouth using a special needle that curves over the tongue. Treatment: Currently, the most effective treatment for SD is injection of botulinum toxin - type A (Botox). It does appear to be a neurological (not psychiatric) disorder, similar to other focal dystonias. Some voice production can be normal, such as laughing, coughing, and singing.Ĭauses: The precise cause of SD is unknown and may involve multiple factors. Voice is often worse on the telephone or when the speaker is under stress. Both types cause abrupt breaks in sounds and makes the voice harder to understand. Abductor SD usually produces a breathy and effortful voice. The adductor type produces a strained or strangled voice quality. Symptoms: The symptoms of SD depend on which form is present. A "mixed" form involving both the abductor and adductor muscles also exists. Abductor SD involves the muscles which open the vocal folds(posterior cricoarytenoids). This occurs when the muscles which close the vocal folds (thyroarytenoids and lateral cricoarytenoids) contract with excess force. With SD, the laryngeal muscles are involved. A dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by inappropriate contraction (tightening) of muscle groups. Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD) is one of a group of neurologic disorders called dystonias. As mentioned above, if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks or if common treatments are ineffective, seek medical advice. Chronic laryngitis is treated differently, depending on the cause. If a bacterial infection is the suspected cause, antibiotics may be prescribed. Treatment: Acute laryngitis is treated with resting the voice as much as possible, increasing intake of decaffeinated fluids (particularly water), and using a humidifier. Therefore, if hoarseness lasts longer than two weeks, or is accompanied by a lump in the neck or blood-tinged spit, you should see a doctor. Laryngitis can be a symptom or a side affect of a more serious condition such as benign or malignant growths. Reflux of acid from the stomach is another frequent cause of laryngeal inflammation. Among the most common are misuse or overuse of the voice and irritation by smoke, dust, or other airborne irritants.
Long-term laryngitis can have a number of causes. Acute laryngitis frequently accompanies viral or bacterial upper respiratory tract infections. Occasionally, laryngitis may cause pain in the laryngeal area during swallowing or speaking.Ĭauses: Laryngitis can have many causes.
Symptoms: The usual symptoms of laryngitis are hoarseness and loss of voice. Laryngitis can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). This inflammation may be by itself, or a symptom of another problem. Laryngitis, or inflammation (swelling) of the larynx, is probably the most common problem with the larynx and voice.
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