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SD is a localized type of a neuromuscular disorder, which is also called laryngeal (voice box) dystonia (abnormal tone in the muscles). Dystonias may be localized, such as affecting just the voice box or hands; regional, affecting multiple areas (such as the voice box, plus throat or tongue); or generalized, affecting all the muscles in the body. If you have been diagnosed with SD, yours only affects the voice box. There are two major forms of SD. The first is called "aDductor SD" where the voice is tight, strained, and choking. The second type is called "aBductor SD" (spelled the same except for one letter!) where the voice gets weak and breathy. Rarely, there is a third mixed form. The most important thing to remember about this type of neuromuscular disorder is that it is NOT like Lou Gerig's Disease (ALS), and you will NOT die from it. SD can severely impair your voice but is otherwise not dangerous. It is possible for the disease to change, particularly from aBductor to aDductor type over many years, but it does not progress from a localized to a generalized problem.
Can SD be treated with medicines or voice therapy?
Yes and no. SD is a real disorder, it is not in your head.
Unfortunately, speech therapy is not an effective form of
treatment. SD can be successfully treated with a medicine
called botulinum toxin (BoTox). BoTox must be injected to
work, pills do not help. This is the same BoTox that cosmetic
surgeons inject into the face to reduce wrinkles. The
injections go into the vocal folds, and are safe, comfortable and
quick. They usually last for 2-4 months before your body
disposes of the BoTox (just like in the face), and must be reinjected.
How are the injections done?
The entire procedure takes only 10 minutes, and
sounds much worse than it really is. It is done in the clinic
under local anesthesia. The local anesthetic is sprayed into the
nose and throat, then a small "dental injection" numbs the skin
at the fron of the voicebox. The anesthesia part of the
procedure is more annoying to most patients than the actual
BoTox injection. Once sufficiently numb, the BoTox is injected
into each vocal cord. All injections are done under direct
vision, which improves accuracy and efficacy, as well as
shortening the procedure time and increasing patient comfort.
You can see the needle (yellow arrow) being directed into the
appropriate muscles in the adjacent photos.
What happens after an injection?
"Initial wait phase." For the first day or two your voice will not significantly change. BoTox takes several days to begin working. After the first few days you will notice a decrease in the spasms. There are several side effects of BoTox that you may or may not notice during the first week. If you have aDductor SD (strained voice), your voice may become very weak and breathy for the first few days, up to a week or two. This is not uncommon, but it should resolve after the first week. If it lasts more than two weeks then it means that you are sensitive to BoTox, and your next injection needs to be less strong. If you have the aBductor SD (weak voice), you may notice that your voice is much improved, but that you are a little short of breath when exercising or going up stairs. This happens to everyone to a varying degree and it may be a little scary at first, but is generally not serious. It usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. If it is too uncomfortable, your next injection can be a little weaker. With both types, you may notice some slight swallowing difficulties. These should also be short-lived. Every patient will receive a call from our office 3-5 days after the injection to determine efficacy and address any concerns that you may have.
The spasms are coming back again.
Typically injections give a very good voice for 2-4 months. When a stronger dose is used, people may have more side effects in the beginning (as outlined above), but the injection benefit may last longer. Our goal is to give you the longest relief, with the fewest side effects. This takes about 4-5 injections until we adjust your dose to suit your needs. When you start feeling the spasms coming back you should call for another appointment. Remember, it sometimes takes several weeks to get an appointment, so plan ahead!
Is there a difference between injections of the same dose?
Or, between my results and someone else's?
Or, what if I get no results the first time being injected?
No two injections can ever yield exactly the same
results. Usually after your first 4-5 injections we can predict
your results and how long they will last you (which will help you
when planning your next injection). Also, every person's vocal
folds are a little different, and the way the body disposes of the
BoTox will vary from person to person. For these reasons, one
person may only need an injection every five months, and you
may need one every two months (or vice versa). Your very first
injection will be at a very LOW dose. It is typically less than
what most people will be getting later on. We do this to
minimize the side effects and to see how sensitive you are to
BoTox. Do not worry, this is a learning process where
together we will decide by how much to raise or lower the
dose on your next visit.
The cause of SD is unknown, and there is no cure to date. BoTox injections remain the best means of managing symptoms.
It is estimated that more than 10 million people are affected with SD worldwide!
More information can be
obtained at the National
Spasmodic Dysphonia Association
(NSDA) at (800) 795-6732
toll free), or visiting
www.dysphonia.org/nsda.
The Haben Practice for Voice is a NSDA designated provider of BoTox injections for the treatment of SD
BoTox injections typically last 2-6 months, three is average for most sucessful injections. Increasing the dose may or may not increase the duration of benefit. Once you have been "titrated", a stronger dose typically only increases the severity of the side effects.