What is Spasmodic Dysphonia?
Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) — increasingly referred to by the more precise term laryngeal dystonia (LD) — is a neurological voice disorder in which involuntary spasms of the vocal cord muscles disrupt normal speech. It is a chronic condition that can be isolating, frustrating, and profoundly misunderstood — and one that is frequently misdiagnosed for years before patients find the right specialist. If you have been told your voice problem is psychological, stress-related, or simply anxiety, and treatments have not helped, spasmodic dysphonia may be the answer you have been looking for.
There are two primary subtypes. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia — the more common form — causes the vocal cords to squeeze together involuntarily during speech, producing a strained, strangled, or effortful vocal quality. Abductor spasmodic dysphonia causes the vocal cords to open inappropriately, resulting in a breathy, whispery, or intermittently absent voice.
Common Symptoms of Spasmodic Dysphonia
- A strained, tight, or strangled vocal quality (adductor type)
- Breathy, weak, or intermittently absent voice (abductor type)
- Voice breaks or interruptions during speech
- Symptoms that worsen with specific speaking tasks but improve with singing, laughing, or whispering
Diagnosis & Treatment
Spasmodic dysphonia requires the trained ear and eye of a specialist — and is one of the conditions where seeing a fellowship-trained laryngologist makes all the difference. Dr. Benjamin Rafii combines a thorough clinical history with high-definition videostroboscopy and careful perceptual voice assessment to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and distinguish SD from other voice disorders, including muscle tension dysphonia.
The most common treatment for spasmodic dysphonia is Botox injection into the affected vocal cord muscles — a minimally invasive, in-office procedure that provides significant relief for the majority of patients. Results typically last several months, and most patients return for periodic treatments to maintain their voice. Voice therapy, while not a cure, can help some patients develop techniques to better navigate vocally challenging tasks and situations.
Other Neurologic Voice Disorders
Spasmodic dysphonia is one of several neurological conditions that can affect the voice. Essential voice tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative conditions can all produce voice changes that benefit from specialized laryngologic evaluation and management. If you are experiencing voice changes in the setting of a known or suspected neurological condition, Dr. Rafii can help assess, diagnose, and coordinate the right care.
Related Conditions: Hoarseness & Voice Disorders | Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Related Treatments: Botox Injection for Spasmodic Dysphonia | Voice Therapy & Care Team Coordination
Related Services: Comprehensive Voice Evaluation | Awake In-Office Vocal Cord Procedures
If you have been struggling with your voice and suspect spasmodic dysphonia, Dr. Rafii and his team are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at The Laryngology & Voice Center of Beverly Hills — same- and next-day appointments are available.