Laryngeal dystonia in professional singers

Abstract

We report on four patients, all professional singers, presenting with spasmodic dysphonia. This condition has not been described in Japan. All four patients had not undergone excessive vocal practice. They demonstrated characteristics of adductor type dysphonia (3 cases) and abductor type dysphonia (1 case) while singing. Botulinum toxin was injected into the laryngeal muscles successfully. We recommend frequent, low-dose injections for adductor spasmodic dysphonia.