Spasmodic Dysphonia
Spasmodic dysphonia is a movement disorder of
the voice box. There are two types of spasmodic
dysphonia - adductor and abductor spasmodic dysphonia.
Adductor spasmodic dysphonia, the most common
form, occurs when the muscles that close your
vocal cords close with too much force producing
a strained or strangled voice. Fewer people suffer
from abductor spasmodic dysphonia that is characterized
by a breathy voice.
Currently, botulinum
toxin (botox) injection is the common prescribed
treatment. Patients will feel the effects within
72 hours of the injection and the treatment will
last up to three to six months. Botox injections
may not work for all patients and surgery may
become an option.
Selective denervation and reinnervation for spasmodic
dysphonia, a procedure that replaces the affected
nerves with new nerves, is effective in eliminating
spasms in most patients. Penn Center for Voice
at Pennsylvania Hospital surgeons have been instrumental
in developing this new technique.
|
