What are the symptoms? Expand 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.
Who does it affect? Expand 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.
What are the causes? Expand 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.
What are the common treatments? Expand Botulinum toxin injections Oral medication Speech and language therapy Surgical procedures
How will it affect my life? Expand 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.