What Is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurologic condition that affects the sound of your voice. If you have spasmodic dysphonia, your voice may break, sound weak or breathy, or be tight and strained when you speak.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a type of dystonia, a condition that causes involuntary movements. With spasmodic dysphonia, the muscles controlling your vocal cords spasm, changing the sound of your voice. There are three types of spasmodic dysphonia:
- Adductor spasmodic dysphonia: This is the most common type of spasmodic dysphonia. It occurs when spasms slam your vocal cords together. This can make your voice sound strained.
- Abductor spasmodic dysphonia: This type of spasmodic dysphonia causes your vocal cords to open, making speech quiet and breathy.
- Mixed spasmodic dysphonia: Rarely, patients have symptoms of both forms of dysphonia.
Symptoms of Spasmodic Dysphonia
The main symptom of spasmodic dysphonia is voice changes. Symptoms include:
- Weak or breathy voice
- Strained voice
- Breaks in sound
- Shaky voice
- More difficulty speaking in stressful situations
Symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia usually begin between age 30 and 50.
Meet our spasmodic dysphonia care providers
How Spasmodic Dysphonia Is Diagnosed
Rush spasmodic dysphonia specialists use multiple methods to diagnose voice disorders. Spasmodic dysphonia can be difficult to diagnose, because the larynx often appears normal. Your provider will begin by asking you about your symptoms and medical history. Your provider may use imaging tests to see your vocal cords and rule out other conditions:
- Videostroboscopy: This non-invasive exam uses a camera to capture how your vocal cords move in slow motion.
- Flexible laryngoscopy: Your provider will place a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end through your nose and down your throat. This allows your provider to see your vocal cords.
You might also see a neurologist to determine if there is an underlying neurologic condition causing changes in your voice.
Treatment Options for Spasmodic Dysphonia at Rush
Rush providers offer options for spasmodic dysphonia treatment in Chicago. Treatment often involves Botox injections and voice therapy:
- Botox injections: Botulinum toxin, or Botox, injections are the most common treatment for spasmodic dysphonia. Your provider will use electromyographic, or EMG, guidance, to find the correct muscle in your neck. Then, they will inject Botox through the neck and into your vocal cords.
Botox weakens the muscles around your vocal cords, reducing spasms. This can help you speak more easily. The effects usually last around three months. - Voice therapy: A speech language pathologist can teach you techniques to use your voice more effectively and produce clearer sound.
Choosing Rush for Spasmodic Dysphonia Care
- Among the best in the U.S.: U.S. News & World Report ranks Rush University Medical Center among the best hospitals in the nation for both neurology and ear, nose and throat care.
- Experienced experts: Rush’s division of laryngology is led by H. Steven Sims, MD, a board-certified laryngologist. Sims has more than 20 years of experience providing voice specialty treatment, including for spasmodic dysphonia, in Chicago. Our experts are contributing to the latest research on spasmodic dysphonia treatment.
- Collaborative Care: Expert specialists in laryngology, neurology and speech language pathology will collaborate to create a spasmodic dysphonia care plan personalized to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurologic condition that causes the muscles controlling your vocal cords to spasm. This can make your voice sound weak, shaky and strained.
The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. Experts believe this condition is caused by an issue in the basal ganglia in your brain, which controls involuntary muscle movements. Sometimes, an illness, injury or stress can trigger symptoms.
The main symptom of spasmodic dysphonia is changes in your speaking voice, including sounding strained or breathy, or your voice breaking or cutting out when voicing certain sounds. Usually, people with spasmodic dysphonia do not have vocal spasms while whispering or singing.
Spasmodic dysphonia can be difficult to diagnose. Because spasmodic dysphonia is a neurologic condition, your larynx will often appear normal. Specialists will listen to your voice, review your symptoms and do imaging tests to diagnose a voice disorder.
Botox, or botulinum toxin, injections are often effective for treating spasmodic dysphonia. The treatment is effective for around three months. You will likely need repeat treatments every few months.
Yes, speech therapy can make speaking easier. Voice therapists can help you learn to speak in a way that puts less strain on your vocal cords and use air more efficiently.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a chronic condition and cannot be cured. Treatment can help improve symptoms.
Your first appointment will depend on your symptoms. Generally, you can expect your provider to ask you about your symptoms, listen to your voice and examine your neck and throat.
