Spasmodic Dysphonia Bulletin Board

Good for you! This is terrific that you’ve found a way to recover a good speaking voice.

Do you suppose it’s possible that you have Muscle Tension Dystonia (MTD) rather than Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD)? As was discussed in detail at the recent Annual SD Symposium in SLC, it can be extremely difficult for most doctors to distinguish between MTD and SD.

However, unlike SD, MTD can be cured. The way it is cured, most of the time through speech therapy, is almost exactly what you described – practicing proper breathing techniques, humming, saying repetitive words or phrases, reading out loud, exercise and relaxation, etc. Some people with MTD may also experience relief with Botox simply because it helps relax the muscles.

In contrast, SD is actually a neurological disorder that cannot be cured at this time. Through research at the National Institutes of Heath, they’ve discovered (through MRI’s of current SD patients and brain dissection of SD’ers who donated their brains for this purpose):

1. Reduced activity in the Thalamus and Basal Ganglia.

2. Identification of the specific neuropathway within the Cortico-Bulbar System that is involved with SD.

3. Axonal thinning and white matter abnormalities along this neuropathway.

4. Structural differences in the Thalamus and Cerebellum.

5. Relationship between the severity of SD and increased diffusivity in the Thalamus.

6. Unusual accumulation of mineral deposits in the regions of the brain showing functional and structural abnormalities.

While your list of recommended exercises are worth a try, certainly can’t hurt, and may even be beneficial to some people with SD, there should also be concerns about creating false hope and expectations and then even more frustration for those who do suffer from SD.

Unfortunately, accurately diagnosed SD is a neurological disorder that cannot be cured and no amount of humming can change the brain abnormalities that cause it.

Best of luck to you and I hope you continue to have a good voice.