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Botulinum toxin A injection under electromyographic guidance for treatment of spasmodic dysphonia

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2007

P Casserly  and
C Timon
P Casserly*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
C Timon
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
*
Address for correspondence: Ms Paula Casserly, 16 Newbridge Ave, Sandymount, Dublin 4, Ireland. Fax: 003531 8093148 E-mail: paulacasserly@hotmail.com
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Abstract

Spasmodic dysphonia is a disabling voice condition caused by a chronic neurological disorder of central motor processing. Present therapy is directed at relief of symptoms rather than cure. Botulinum toxin type A injection into the thyroarytenoid muscle has become the pre-eminent approach for treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia. Botulinum toxin A injections can be performed in an out-patient setting under electromyographic guidance. We present our experience with 153 injections in 14 patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia over a 10-year period. We demonstrate that the electromyography signal is a reliable prognostic indicator in terms of efficacy, and that patients' subjective opinion is a valid indicator of treatment success and future treatment strategy.

Keywords

Voice DisordersSpastic DysphoniaLarynxMusclesBotulinum Toxin Type A

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 122 , Issue 1 , January 2008 , pp. 52 - 56
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2007

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