The Effects of Lee - Silverman Voice Treatment on Voice and Swallowing Functions in a Case with Bilateral Striopallidodentate Calcinosis

Abstract

Bilateral striopallidodentate calcinosis (BSPDC) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by abnormal calcium accumulation in the basal ganglia, dentate nucleus, and semioval center. Speech, voice, and swallowing abnormalities can be associated with the disease. However, there are a limited number of studies regarding the speech and swallowing characteristics of this disease in the literature. Lee-Silverman voice therapy (LSVT-LOUD) is a structured speech therapy method that can be used to treat neurogenic conditions. The main purpose of this article was to document the effects of LSVT-LOUD on voice and swallowing functions in a case of BSPDC. Case report. A comprehensive voice and swallowing evaluation, including objective methods, was conducted before therapy and at post-therapy follow-ups (FU) after 3 months and 6 months. The voice and swallowing parameters were substantially improved at the 3-month FU; at the 6-month FU, the improvement in swallowing function was still preserved; however, the improvement in voice function had regressed. LSVT-LOUD may improve the voice and swallowing functions of patients with BSPDC. However, long-term retention of the effects of LSVT-LOUD should be investigated in future studies.