Quick Facts about

Laryngeal Dystonia/Spasmodic Dysphonia


  • Laryngeal dystonia is often referred to as spasmodic dysphonia.

  • Spasmodic dysphonia is a focal form of dystonia that affects the vocal cords.

  • Symptoms include involuntary contractions of the vocal cords causing interruptions of speech and affecting the voice quality.

  • One of the most characteristic features of spasmodic dysphonia is the patterned, repeated “breaks” in speech.

  • Symptoms of spasmodic dysphonia come in several varieties, but can be broadly divided into two forms: adductor and abductor.

  • The more common adductor type causes a tight, “strangled-sounding” voice quality, often with abrupt starting and stopping of the voice.

  • The abductor type causes a breathy, whispering voice.


  • Most cases of spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia are primary and develop in adults.

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