What do Dilbert and spasmodic dysphonia (SD) have in common?
Dilbert is a humorous comic strip that takes place in the office, written and drawn by Adam Scott (http://www.dilbert.com/). Adam Scott will be the keynote speaker later this month at the annual National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association (NSDA) symposium (http://goo.gl/1cA8cs) being held in San Francisco. He has been symptomatic with spasmodic dysphonia (SD) since 2005. SD is a voice disorder of neurological origin, considered a focal dystonia within the category of movement disorders. It is characterized by involuntary spasms isolated to voice production. Typically there is either a strained strangled voice quality, or a voice featuring frequent breathy breaks. At rest, the spasms are not present.
The cause of spasmodic dysphonia is not known. The goal of treatment is to minimize the muscle spasms, instability, and effort associated with voice production, and thereby improving overall voice quality. Treatment options typically include voice therapy, chemodenervation, or surgery. The role of voice therapy may be limited, however is beneficial to distinguish SD from any other possible voice disorder such as muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). MTD is a behavioral, not neurological, voice disorder. Additionally, we work to minimize the spasms and secondary compensatory behaviors that often develop as the person tries to overcome the spasms. Chemodenervation is accomplished through injection of botulinum toxin (botox) directly into the vocal folds in the throat to weaken them. The effects of the botox last an average of 3-4 months and need to be repeated for ongoing benefit. Adam Scott has previously shared that he had not received any relief with the various approaches he pursued. He ultimately went with surgical option. He underwent the Selective Laryngeal Adductor Denervation Reinnervation (SLAD-R) procedure per Dr. Berke at UCLA (https://goo.gl/xyvOms). He experienced a very positive outcome as has been previously reported, and will likely be addressed at the symposium.
If you have hoarseness that persists beyond 2 weeks, see your physician. If spasmodic dysphonia or muscle tension dysphonia are diagnosed, you are likely a candidate for voice therapy. Contact Voicetrainer LLC at info@voicetrainer.com or 202-580-6646 if you have questions and to schedule an appointment.
~LPV
