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.