Dilbert is a humorous comic strip that takes place in the office, written and drawn by Adam Scott (http://www.dilbert.com/). Adam Scott shared his experience with spasmodic dysphonia in this month’s newsletter by the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association (http://www.dysphonia.org/#top_article1). Spasmodic dysphonia (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 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 is to distinguish SD from any other possible voice disorder such as muscle tension dysphonia (MTD). Additionally, we work to minimize the spasms and secondary compensatory behaviors that have developed through approaches based upon normal voice physiology.
- 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 had been symptomatic with SD since 2005 and had not received any relief with the various approaches he pursued. He talks about his experience with the surgical option. He underwent the Selective Laryngeal Adductor Denervation Reinnervation (SLAD-R) procedure per Dr. Berke at UCLA. He experienced a very positive outcome as reported in the newsletter.
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
