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Speech problems, spasmodic dysphonia
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- Dysphonia simply means difficulty in
speaking, specifically in the phonation of sound.
Dysphonia may occur during puberty when voice changes occur,
after a cold, or with sore throat (e.g., hoarseness).
- However, Spasmodic Dysphonia is
a voice disorder that affects the normal movement of the
vocal cords during speech (i.e., when they come together)
and results in a quivery, hoarse, jerky, or groaning voice.
- The spasms may inhibit sound
altogether (i.e., aphonia) or produce periods when there is
near normal voice quality.
- The symptoms tend to worsen during fatigue, stress, and Anxiety and may
significantly improve when the patient is relaxed or even
singing.
- The disorder may follow an upper
respiratory infection or a recent stressful event.
- It may also be associated with
dystonia (neurological disorder affecting muscle tone),
neurological conditions, or other chronic illnesses.
- Spasmodic Dysphonia
tends to affect those between ages 30 and 50, but is also
seen in children and adolescents. Women are more often
affected than men.
- Evaluation by an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) physician and a speech therapist is mandatory before appropriate treatment can begin.
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