Abstract
Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) or laryngeal dystonia is a focal voice disorder that produces involuntary spasms of the vocal folds, resulting in a strained-strangled voice production. Symptoms of SD come in several varieties. The disorder can be broadly divided into three forms: adductor-type SD, abductor-type SD, and mixed-type SD. The most common adductor-type causes a tight, “strangled-sounding” voice quality, often with abrupt starting and stopping of the voice. The abductor-type causes a breathy, whispering voice. Most cases of SD are primary and develop in adults (adult-onset). There is no cure for SD, and little is known on risk factors that contribute to its development. The diagnosis is mainly based on speech analysis. Injecting botulinum toxin has become the treatment of choice for 30 years. However, the disorder typically remains chronic after onset, and repeated injections therefore are needed.
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