The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) defines spasmodic dysphonia as an organic, chronic voice disorder that is characterized by forced and strained movement of one or more of the muscles in the larynx, causing an individual’s voice to sound erratic, hoarse, or constricted. There are two primary types of spasmodic dysphonia: adductor spasmodic dysphonia and abductor spasmodic dysphonia. Those who have the adductor type will experience unexpected, involuntary muscle spasms that cause the vocal folds to smash together and become rigid. This movement results in the voice sounding stunted or smothered. Individuals who have abductor spasmodic dysphonia will experience similar involuntary muscle spasms, but these will cause the
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Since the cause is unknown, it can be difficult to diagnose someone with the disorder. There is no standard test that exists that can be given to a patient to determine whether they have the condition. There are still questions as to whether it is caused by nervous system changes that cause an organic tremor of the vocal cords, or if it due dystonia, which is a neurological disorder that creates abnormal muscle tone (National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, 2015). Others state it is due to acute or chronic life stresses or a combination of all of these factors. ASHA recommends that a team should complete evaluations, consisting of a speech-language pathologist (to evaluate voice production and quality), an otolaryngologist (to examine the movement of the vocal cords), and a neurologist (to look for signs of neurological …show more content…
Watts, Truong, and Nye found that botulinum toxin injections were an effective treatment for ADSD, while Boutsen, Cannito, and Taylor found that botulinum toxin injections were probably effective treatment for ADSD. Ludlow stated the “recommendation was that botulinum toxin injection should be considered as a treatment option for ADSD” (2009). However, the findings for ABSD were not as consistent across studies. Watts, Truong, and Nye “compared electromyographic (EMG) guided verses endoscopic injection techniques into the PCS in ABSD and found no significant treatment effect for either group” (2008), while Ludlow completed a report that found some benefit (2009). All three of the studies were in agreement that controlled, clinical trials were needed to examine treatment of ABSD to gain further insight \ of the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in individuals with
Since the cause is unknown, it can be difficult to diagnose someone with the disorder. There is no standard test that exists that can be given to a patient to determine whether they have the condition. There are still questions as to whether it is caused by nervous system changes that cause an organic tremor of the vocal cords, or if it due dystonia, which is a neurological disorder that creates abnormal muscle tone (National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association, 2015). Others state it is due to acute or chronic life stresses or a combination of all of these factors. ASHA recommends that a team should complete evaluations, consisting of a speech-language pathologist (to evaluate voice production and quality), an otolaryngologist (to examine the movement of the vocal cords), and a neurologist (to look for signs of neurological …show more content…
Watts, Truong, and Nye found that botulinum toxin injections were an effective treatment for ADSD, while Boutsen, Cannito, and Taylor found that botulinum toxin injections were probably effective treatment for ADSD. Ludlow stated the “recommendation was that botulinum toxin injection should be considered as a treatment option for ADSD” (2009). However, the findings for ABSD were not as consistent across studies. Watts, Truong, and Nye “compared electromyographic (EMG) guided verses endoscopic injection techniques into the PCS in ABSD and found no significant treatment effect for either group” (2008), while Ludlow completed a report that found some benefit (2009). All three of the studies were in agreement that controlled, clinical trials were needed to examine treatment of ABSD to gain further insight \ of the effectiveness of botulinum toxin injections in individuals with