Velopharyngeal Dystonia: An Unusual Focal Task-specific Dystonia?

Abstract

BackgroundVelopharyngeal dysfunction produces a nasal speech pattern because of the inability to close the nasal airway during speech, most often associated with anatomical abnormalities of the palate.Case ReportWe describe two cases of possible velopharyngeal dystonia, a task-specific movement disorder causing a speech pattern similar to velopharyngeal dysfunction. Both patients experienced treatment response with anticholinergic medication.DiscussionDystonia affecting speech via involvement of the pharyngeal musculature may be an unrecognized etiology of voice disorders.