Investigative Study on Spasmodic Dysphonia

Abstract

This investigation retrospectively examined subtypes, sex, age at the first medical examination, job, main complaint, complication with other involuntary movement, period of affliction, consultation history and treatment outcomes for 85 cases of spasmodic dysphonia. The majority of participants were females in their 20s who were diagnosed with adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Over 70% of the participants were required to use their voice frequently in their work. Twenty-six percent of the participants were diagnosed within 6 months of the onset of voice problems; however, 34% had had voice symptoms for 5 years or more. The majority of participants visited multiple medical institutions, including departments of otolaryngology and psychosomatic medicine. The treatment most frequently received was voice therapy, followed by botulinum toxin injection and thyroplasty. Spasmodic dysphonia has recently received a good deal of attention, and the number of patients visiting hospital with this complaint has increased. For this reason, diagnostic criteria, standard evaluation methods, and environmental improvements are urgently required.