Are women more unstable than men? Shaky topics

Abstract

Essential vocal tremor was reported by Sulica and Louis (2010) to predominantly occur in females (90%) compared to males (10%) even though the overall diagnosis of essential tremor demonstrates equal representation of both groups. Interestingly, vocal tremor manifests in 30% of individuals diagnosed with essential tremor as well as spasmodic dysphonia. However, information regarding the proportion of females and males exhibiting vocal tremor in those diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia remains unclear. A predominance of females represented with isolated vocal tremor and in those diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia could suggest either a genetic or endocrine system link to the onset of vocal tremor. The purpose of this study was to compare and contrast the representation and characteristics of males and females diagnosed with isolated vocal tremor to spasmodic dysphonia with vocal tremor. Comparisons will be made between speech structures exhibiting tremor on endoscopic examination and vocal tremor acoustic patterns. A preponderance of females with vocal tremor in both groups supports a genetic link to the onset of vocal tremor. Differences in acoustic patterns and structural involvement profiles between males and females would support the possible influence of the endocrine system in the development of vocal tremor.