Chronic Spasmodic Dysphonia
Chronic Spasmodic Dysphonia Causes
The disorder is caused by not just one source. A number of people seem to have changes in their nervous system that produces organic tremor in vocal cords. Others can have dystonia, which is another form of neurologic condition that produces anomalous muscle tone. In some rare cases, chronic or acute life stress causes the disorder.
Chronic Spasmodic Dysphonia Definition
Chronic spasmodic dysphonia is a long-term voice disorder wherein there is an involuntary or excessive laryngeal muscle contraction when talking. The vocal cords' movement is strained and forced resulting in quivery, jerky, tight, groaning, or horse voice.
Chronic Spasmodic Dysphonia Diagnosis
The disorder has no simple test. Its diagnosis is founded on the occurrence of usual symptoms and signs, as well as the nonexistence of other conditions producing similar problems.
Chronic Spasmodic Dysphonia Symptoms and Signs
Symptoms can be mild at first. They can also happen only occasionally. Later, they can be more frequent and worse. The disorder is characterized by throat tightness, spontaneous vocal spasms, and/or continual voice hoarseness. There are times when affected people must make conscious effort when talking. A most often sign of the disorder is an abrupt, momentary interruption or lapse of one's voice.
Chronic Spasmodic Dysphonia Treatment
Presently, no cure for chronic spasmodic dysphonia has been found. However, many treatment alternatives are available to improve the voice. Repeated small-dose injections of Botox into the vocal cords are often recommended. Psychiatric or psychological counseling is often very useful when the desired goal is learning coping techniques and acceptance of the disease. Voice therapy is also an option.