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  • voice-dystonia
  1. About dystonia
  2. Types of dystonia
  3. Voice dystonia

Voice dystonia

Other names: Laryngeal dystonia or spasmodic dysphonia

Type: Focal

Laryngeal dystonia is a neurological movement disorder characterised by continuous or intermittent muscle contractions which cause abnormal, often painful, repetitive movements in the vocal cords resulting in a change to voice quality.

Laryngeal dystonia may start with a hoarseness or a sore throat that does not go away. Symptoms can then develop over a relatively short time before stabilising.

There are three types:

Adductor laryngeal dystonia
This is the most common type. The vocal cords are pulled together during speech which causes the voice to have a ‘strangled’ quality.

Abductor laryngeal dystonia
In this type, the vocal cords are pulled apart causing the voice to be ‘breathy’ and very quiet.

Adductor breathing laryngeal dystonia
This is a rarer type. The vocal cords are pulled together during breathing which leads to noisy and laboured breathing. Individuals may also experience trouble swallowing due to difficulty breathing while eating.

Laryngeal dystonia should be diagnosed and treated by an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) or a neurologist specialising in movement disorders.

What are the symptoms?

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Symptoms of laryngeal dystonia include:

  • strangled sounding voice and/or a feeling of choking on words
  • effortful to speak
  • breathy, quiet voice
  • difficult to project your voice
  • tremor

Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate the symptoms.

Published: 1st June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Who does it affect?

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  • Symptoms usually appear mid-life between 40-50 years old.
  • Most cases of laryngeal dystonia are focal (a dystonia that only affects one part of the body), however, for other patients, dystonia may eventually involve different areas, including the eyes, jaw or neck.
  • It may also occur in cases of childhood-onset generalised dystonia which affects multiple body parts including the limbs.

Published: 2nd June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the causes?

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Dystonia is caused by incorrect signals from the brain to the affected body part but the causes for this are not yet fully understood.

There is some research into whether laryngeal dystonia is caused by genetic factors.

There are also thought to be some cases triggered by trauma such as intubation or neck injuries.

Published: 3rd June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the common treatments?

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  • Botulinum toxin injections
  • Oral medication
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Surgical procedures

Published: 4th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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How will it affect my life?

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You may need to find ways to adapt and might have to learn new ways to complete everyday tasks. However, it is possible to live well with the condition and Dystonia UK is here to support you through all stages including initial onset, diagnosis, finding treatment and beyond.

You may find these coping techniques helpful:

  • Vocal exercise (humming, speaking slowly, reciting nursery rhymes).
  • Volume control (talking softly or loudly).
  • Relaxation techniques.
  • Breathing deeper breaths, exhaling before speaking, not holding onto the breath.
  • Environmental control (talking one-on-one, not being interrupted).
  • Using voice early in the morning.
  • Sensory gestures (covering eyes, pinching nose).
  • Physical exercise (need to check exercise is appropriate with doctor before trying).
  • Mental aspects ("not thinking about it", keeping a good attitude).
  • Physical rest, vocal rest, warm liquids and laughing.

Published: 5th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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You might be interested in:

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Published: 6th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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