Botulinum toxin therapy for laryngeal dystonia and other hyperfunctional laryngeal disorders

Abstract

Botulinum toxin decreases hyperactivity with the blockade of the release of acetyl choline. We first injected a case of laryngeal dystonia in April 1984, and since this time have over 1400 patients. These include the treatment of adductor and abductor spasmodic dysphonia, adductor respiratory dystonia, and Singer's dystonia. The use of botulinum toxin for focal laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia) has become the “gold standard” for the management of this disorder. The toxin has also been used for many other hyperfunctional laryngeal disorders including essential voice tremor, muscle tension dysphonia, puberophonia, arytenoids rebalancing, hyperfunctional contact granulomas and nodules, tracheoesophageal speech failures, and cricopharyngeal achalasia. A review of technique, dosing, and results will be presented.