Pronounced: dis-FOH-nee-ah
Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a voice disorder. It occurs when the muscles of the throat freeze or go into spasms. Words are strangled and strained. Or, they don’t get out at all. Sounds are distorted. SD is a form of dystonia . In dystonia, the muscles involuntarily tighten and twist.
The exact causes of SD are unknown. It is categorized as a disorder of the central nervous system. Causes of dystonia, the greater condition, have been linked to damage to a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. These are structures deep within the brain that help control movement.
These factors increase your chance of developing SD:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to SD. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Contact your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. She will also do a physical exam. Tests may include:
Your doctor may refer you to a team of specialists, including:
Your doctors will determine which main type of SD you have:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
RESOURCES:
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
http://www.asha.org/
National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association
http://www.dysphonia.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists
http://www.caslpa.ca/
Ontario Association for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
http://www.osla.on.ca/
References:
Daniilidou, P, Carding P, Wilson, J, Drinnan, M, Deary, V. Cognitive behavioral therapy for functional dysphonia. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 2007;116:717-722.
Diagnosis. National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association website. Available at: http://www.dysphonia.org/spasmodic/diagnosis.asp . Accessed December 2, 2008.
Dysphonia. Venes D. Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 20th ed. Philadelphia, PA: FA Davis; 1985.
Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. 10th ed. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster Inc; 1998; 361.
Mini medical school #3 dystonia—the basal ganglia. Spasmodic Torticollis website. Available at: http://www.spasmodictorticollis.org/treatmentCenter_MiscMiniBasal.cfm . Accessed December 2, 2008.
Schwartz J, Song P, Blitzer A. Spasmodic dysphonia. SpringerLink website. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/q547087wl5111656/ . Published October 2007. Accessed December 2, 2008.
Spasmodic dysphonia. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: http://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/SpasmodicDysphonia.htm . Accessed December 2, 2008.
Spasmodic dysphonia. EBSCO Publishing Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=16topicID=860 . Updated February 2002. Accessed November 16, 2008.
Spasmodic dysphonia. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communicative Disorders website. Available at: http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/spasdysp.htm#causes . Accessed December 2, 2008.
Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005;599
What is dysphonia? National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association website. Available at: http://www.dysphonia.org . Accessed November 20, 2008.
Last reviewed December 2008 by Elie Edmond Rebeiz, MD, FACS
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.