Treatment of laryngeal dystonia

Abstract

The three types of laryngeal dystonia are discussed: adductor spasmodic dysphonia, abductor spasmodic dysphonia, and adductor breathing dystonia. The usual speech and breathing symptoms for each are reviewed. Voice tremor is another movement disorder that can accompany the spasmodic dysphonias and affect treatment outcomes. Two functional disorders, muscular tension dysphonia and paradoxical vocal fold movement disorder, can either accompany or appear similar to the laryngeal dystonias but respond to behavioral therapy alone. The usual treatment course for each of the laryngeal dystonias is provided.