Laryngeal Dystonia / Spasmodic Dysphonia
Laryngeal dystonia, also known as spasmodic dysphonia, is a neurological voice disorder that causes involuntary spasms in the muscles of the larynx (voice box), leading to disruptions in voice. These spasms cause the vocal cords to either tighten excessively (adductor type) or open too much (abductor type) during speech, resulting in a strained, strangled voice or a breathy, whispery voice. The exact cause of laryngeal dystonia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal functioning in the part of the brain that controls muscle movements.
What treatments are available?
In mild cases of laryngeal dystonia, no treatment is usually necessary, and most people can manage their daily vocal needs without difficulty. For more severe spasms, botulinum toxin (Botox) can be injected into the muscles of the larynx (voice box) to help relieve the tension.
This procedure can be performed while you’re awake, using electrodes to identify the muscles in spasm, or under general anaesthetic while you’re asleep. The effects of botulinum toxin are temporary, typically lasting four to six months, so repeated injections are needed for ongoing treatment.
What do the procedures involve?
I perform injections under general anaesthesia at The London Clinic, usually as a day-case procedure, so you’ll be able to go home the same day. Most patients experience minimal discomfort, which can be managed with simple painkillers. Voice rest isn’t required after the procedure, and you can typically return to work within one to two days.
If the injection is planned while you’re awake, I’ll carry it out at One Welbeck. In this case, you can return to work the same day, and painkillers are usually not needed afterwards.
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FAQs
Is laryngeal dystonia treatment available on the NHS or is it private treatment?
Laryngeal dystonia treatment is available on both the NHS and as private treatment. NHS treatment is typically available for medically necessary cases where spasmodic dysphonia significantly affects daily vocal function and quality of life. Private treatment options are also available for patients seeking faster access to specialist care or more flexible appointment scheduling at private clinics.
Is laryngeal dystonia treatment permanent?
No, laryngeal dystonia treatment is not permanent. Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections into the laryngeal muscles provide temporary relief from vocal spasms, typically lasting four to six months. Repeated injections are necessary for ongoing treatment, as the effects gradually wear off and symptoms return without continued therapy.
How long is the recovery time after laryngeal dystonia treatment?
Recovery time following laryngeal dystonia treatment is typically 2 days or less. Most patients experience minimal discomfort that can be managed with simple painkillers, and voice rest is not required after the procedure. Patients can usually return to work within one to two days, making it a relatively quick recovery compared to other voice treatments.
Is laryngeal dystonia treatment performed under general anaesthesia?
Laryngeal dystonia treatment can be performed under either local or general anaesthesia, depending on the approach chosen. Botulinum toxin injections can be carried out while awake at One Welbeck using electrodes to identify spasming muscles, or under general anaesthesia at The London Clinic. The choice depends on patient preference and clinical circumstances.
Does laryngeal dystonia treatment require an overnight hospital stay?
No, laryngeal dystonia treatment does not require an overnight hospital stay. Botulinum toxin injections are performed as day-case procedures, allowing patients to return home the same day. Whether performed under general anaesthesia at The London Clinic or while awake at One Welbeck, patients can expect to be discharged shortly after the procedure.