What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Private Online Voice Therapy for Spasmodic Dysphonia with UK based Clinical Specialists.
What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Spasmodic Dysphonia (also known as Laryngeal Dystonia) is a voice disorder that causes interruptions to to voice (known as voice breaks) and a strained voice quality due to the muscles in the vocal folds go into spasm.
What causes Spasmodic Dysphonia?
The causes is unknown but it is considered to be a Neurological condition involving a part of the brain called the basal ganglia. The basal ganglia helps co-ordinate muscles throughout the body. There may be a family history of Spasmodic Dysphonia. Triggers may include an upper respiratory chest infection, injury to the larynx or psychological stress.
How is Spasmodic Dysphonia diagnosed in the UK?
Spasmodic Dysphonia is diagnosed by a referral via your GP to Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT). ENT will use a camera to look at your voice box. This is not a painful procedure and has very few risks. A Voice Therapist will also be involved in the assessment of your voice. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as Muscle Tension Dysphonia which is why assessment by a specialist voice therapist is advised to determine appropriate treatment.
What are the types of Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia is the most common type with around 87% of people being affected. The sudden involuntary movements cause the vocal folds to come together and stiffen. The voice may sound strained, and words might be cut off because of the spasms. Stress can make the muscle spasms more severe.
Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia : The spasms cause the vocal folds to remain open. The vocal folds cannot vibrate when they are open. The voice may sound weak or breathy.
Mixed Spasmodic Dysphonia: This is a very rare form of Spasmodic Dysphonia and is a combination of the two types listed above.
Who treats Spasmodic Dysphonia in the UK?
There is no cure for Spasmodic Dysphonia. Voice Therapy alongside botox injections to reduce voice strain. Botox reduces the muscle spasms by weakening the muscles. It improves the voice for 3-4 months and the voice symptoms are likely to return. Surgery may be considered but the evidence of effectiveness is limited.
Can Spasmodic Dysphonia be treated with the NHS in the UK?
ENT will typically refer to an NHS voice Therapist. However, the wait for NHS voice therapy in some areas can be substantial. Due to the impact Spasmodic Dysphonia can have on people, we see clients privately while they wait NHS therapy.
Can I have Online Voice Therapy for Spasmodic Dysphonia in the UK?
Online Voice therapy is shown to be as effective as face to face therapy. We are very experienced at providing online voice therapy in the UK and internationally.
Does Spasmodic Dysphonia ever go away?
Spasmodic Dysphonia does not go away but can be improved with treatment such as botox and Voice Therapy specificially for Spasmodic Dysphonia.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Voice with a minimum of 15 years experience Specialising in Voice Therapy. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Voice Therapy.