Spasmodic Dysphonia Overview
Learn About Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is difficulty speaking due to spasms (dystonia) of the muscles that control the vocal cords.
Dysphonia - spasmodic; Speech disorder - spasmodic dysphonia
The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. Sometimes it is triggered by psychological stress. Most cases result from a problem in the brain and nervous system that can affect the voice. The vocal cord muscles spasm, or contract, which causes the vocal cords to get too close or too far apart while a person is using their voice, making it sound normal.
Spasmodic dysphonia often occurs between ages 30 and 50. Women are more likely to be affected than men.
Sometimes, the condition runs in the family.
The voice is usually hoarse or grating. It may waver and pause. The voice may sound strained or strangled, and it may seem as if the speaker has to use extra effort. This is known as adductor dysphonia.
Sometimes, the voice is whispery or breathy. This is known as abductor dysphonia.
The problem may go away when the person laughs, whispers, speaks in a high-pitched voice, sings, or shouts.
Some people may also have muscle tone problems in other parts of the body, such as writer's cramp.
There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia. Treatment can only reduce the symptoms. Medicine that treats spasm of the vocal cord muscles may be tried. They appear to work in up to one half of people, at best. Some of these medicines have bothersome side effects.
Botulinum toxin (Botox) treatments may help. Botulinum toxin comes from a certain type of bacteria. Very small amounts of this toxin may be injected into the muscles around the vocal cords. This treatment will often help for 3 to 4 months.
Surgery to cut one of the nerves to the vocal cords has been used to treat spasmodic dysphonia, but it is not very effective. Other surgical treatments may improve symptoms in some people, but further evaluation is necessary.
Brain stimulation may be useful in some people.
Voice therapy and psychological counseling may help to reduce the symptoms in mild cases of spasmodic dysphonia.
Tahoe Forest Hospital District
Jeffrey Watson is an Otolaryngologist in Truckee, California. Dr. Watson has been practicing medicine for over 16 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia. His top areas of expertise are Branchial Cleft Cyst, Low Nasal Bridge, Nasal Septal Hematoma, and Perichondritis. Dr. Watson is currently accepting new patients.
Carson Tahoe Physician Clinics
Paul Manoukian is an Otolaryngologist in Carson City, Nevada. Dr. Manoukian has been practicing medicine for over 36 years and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia. His top areas of expertise are Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP), Sinusitis, Empyema, and Anosmia. Dr. Manoukian is currently accepting new patients.
Carson Medical Group Professional Corporation
Philip Schlager is an Otolaryngologist in Carson City, Nevada. Dr. Schlager and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia. His top areas of expertise are Ethmoiditis, Swallowing Difficulty, Painful Swallowing, and Nonsyndromic Hearing Loss. Dr. Schlager is currently accepting new patients.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a lifelong (chronic) condition. Treatment can reduce your symptoms, but the effects are often temporary.
Complications can range from not being able to say a few words to not being able to talk at all.
Contact your health care provider if you notice changes in your voice that reoccur.
There is no known way to prevent spasmodic dysphonia.
Summary: When the instruction guidelines of classical laryngeal mask airways (cLMAs) were examined, it was seen that they should be stored between 10 °C and 25 °C. The purpose of this study is to test the effect on postoperative sore throat of LMA stored at different temperatures. The patients to be admitted for elective surgery will be divided into two groups. Patients in Group L will be ventilated with a...
Summary: Evaluate voice and swallowing outcomes post operatively.
Published Date: June 13, 2024
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Blitzer A, Kirke DN. Neurologic disorders of the larynx. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 57.
DeVore EK, Carroll TL. Hoarseness and dysphonia. In: Scholes MA, Ramakrishnan VR, eds. ENT Secrets. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 73.
Flint PW. Throat disorders. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 397.
US Department of Health & Human Services; National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) website. Spasmodic dysphonia. www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/spasmodic-dysphonia. Updated June 18, 2020. Accessed June 28, 2024.