Spasmodic dysphonia

Stuttering? You Could Have Spasmodic Dysphonia

Imagine this: you're trying to have a normal conversation, but your voice keeps cutting out. It's not a lisp or a stutter; your words just randomly come out broken up or with an extra syllable. That's spasmodic dysphonia for you.

I know what you're thinking: "That's just a fancy way of saying I'm a bad singer." But it's not! Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder that affects the muscles in your larynx, the voice box. It's like when your foot cramps up and you can't walk straight. Except this cramp is in your throat and you can't talk straight.

There are two main types of spasmodic dysphonia: adductor spasmodic dysphonia and abductor spasmodic dysphonia. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia is the more common type, and it's caused by the muscles that close your vocal cords (the adductor muscles) going into spasm. Abductor spasmodic dysphonia, on the other hand, is caused by the muscles that open your vocal cords (the abductor muscles) going into spasm.

The symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia can vary from person to person. Some people only have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms that can make it difficult to speak.

Common symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia include:

Hoarseness
Strained or breathy voice
Difficulty starting or sustaining a sound
Repetition of syllables or words
Prolongation of sounds
Involuntary pitch changes

If you think you might have spasmodic dysphonia, it's important to see a speech-language pathologist. They can diagnose spasmodic dysphonia and recommend treatment options.

Treatment options for spasmodic dysphonia include:

Speech therapy
Botox injections
Surgery

There is no cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but treatment can help to manage the symptoms and improve speech.

If you're struggling with spasmodic dysphonia, know that you're not alone. There are many people who have this condition, and there is help available. Don't give up on your voice!