The movements that are found in this disorder are typically rhythmic in nature, as opposed to the muscle spasms of spasmodic dysphonia. It is important to note that voice tremor and spasmodic dysphonia can co-occur in some patients.Differential diagnosis is particularly important for determining appropriate interventions, as the type and cause of the disorder determine the most effective treatment. Differences in treatment effectiveness are present even between the types of spasmodic dysphonia. Diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia is often delayed due to these challenges, which in turn presents difficulties in choosing the proper interventions. Types
The three types of spasmodic dysphonia (SD) are adductor spasmodic dysphonia, abductor spasmodic dysphonia, and mixed spasmodic dysphonia. A fourth type called whispering dysphonia has also been proposed. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia is the most common type. Adductor spasmodic dysphonia
Adductor spasmodic dysphonia (ADSD) is the most common type, affecting around 87% of individuals with SD. In ADSD, sudden involuntary muscle movements or spasms cause the vocal folds (or vocal cords) to squeeze together and stiffen. As the name suggests, these spasms occur in the adductor muscles of the vocal folds, specifically the thyroarytenoid and the lateral cricoarytenoid. These spasms make it difficult for the vocal folds to vibrate and produce voice. Words are often cut off or are difficult to start because of the muscle spasms. Therefore, speech may be choppy but differs from stuttering. The voice of an individual with adductor spasmodic dysphonia is commonly described as strained or strangled and full of effort.
One person rejected treatment and died because he couldnt afford to pay for it. Boyer collected data on the cost of production and marketing, and found that the largest true cost to payers, $4100/vial, was that of the legal, regulatory and hospital activities involved in selling the drug. Clinical trials contributed $300/vial, and 25% of that had been paid for by government grants. Other costs were the same as in Mexico. References
External links
RxList: Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine)