Spasmodic dysphonia – Laryngeal dystonia – Dyskinesia Gort – Laryngeal dystonia – Spasmodic dysphonia

Description of the larynx dyskinesia

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) It is a voice disorder. It arises, when the throat muscles paralyzed or place them twitching. Voice becomes muffled and tense, or words can not be heard at all. The sound is distorted. Spasmodic dysphonia – One of the forms of dystonia. When dystonia muscles involuntarily contract and deform.

Causes of laryngeal dyskinesia

The exact cause of spasmodic dysphonia is unknown. It is classified as a disorder of the central nervous system. Causes of dystonia associated with lesions of the brain, the basal ganglia called. This part is located deep inside the brain, and helps to control movement.

Risk factors for laryngeal dyskinesia

The risk of spasmodic dysphonia is increased by the following factors:

• Degenerative brain disease (eg, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis);
• Movement disorders (eg, pozdnyaya dyskinesia);
• Genetic Disorder. In some cases the gene mutation on chromosome 9 may cause spasmodic dysphonia;
• Infections of the brain (eg, encephalitis);
• Exposure to certain toxins or drugs (eg, phenothiazine);
• In women, the disorder often manifests speech, than men;
• Age: from 30-50 (the typical age group, when the first signs).

The symptoms of laryngeal dyskinesia

If you have any of these symptoms, it is not necessarily associated with spasmodic dysphonia. These symptoms may be caused by other disorders. Consult your doctor, if you have symptoms:

• Creaking, tense speech;
• You can not speak in full force;
• Unnatural speech;
• Breaks in speech;
• Rattling voice.

Diagnosis of laryngeal dyskinesia

Diagnosis includes:

• Blood and urine tests for toxins;
• DNA Tests;
• MRI test, using magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the brain;
• Fluoroscopy, for taking photographs of cerebral structures.

Your doctor may refer you for further examination:

• Neurologist – to assess the performance of your brain;
• Speech therapist – assess the correctness of speech;
• Otolaringolog – examine your vocal cords.

Based on the data type of spasmodic dysphonia is determined.

Treatment of laryngeal dyskinesia

Treatment involves the following procedures:

• Local injections of botulinum toxin (Botox), to relax the muscles;
• Medication to increase the number of dopamine, chemical in the brain, which affect muscle contraction;
• Classes with speech therapist;
• Brain stimulation using electrodes, to prevent muscle spasm and paralysis;
• Surgery to remove the nerves associated to the vocal cords (severe cases).

Prophylaxis of larynx dyskinesia

Because the causes of the disease are unknown, spasmodic dysphonia prevention methods do not exist.