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.
History
Initial surgical efforts to treat the condition were published in 1976 by Herbert Dedo and involved cutting of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Notable cases
Scott Adams, creator of the comic strip Dilbert
Johnny Bush, country and western musician and songwriter
Susan Collins, U.S. Senator from Maine
Keath Fraser, Canadian author who has documented the challenges and treatment of his condition in the book The Voice Gallery: Travels With a Glass Throat (2002)
Chip Hanauer, American hydroplane racing driver
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., political and environmental activist, son of Robert F. Kennedy
Mary Lou Lord, indie folk musician
Benny Martin (1928–2001), American bluegrass fiddler, affected from 1980 to 1997
Darryl McDaniels of the rap group Run DMC
Jenny Morris (OAM), New Zealand-born Australian pop, rock singer-songwriter
Diane Rehm, American public radio talk show host
Mark Stuart, American Christian rock musician, of Audio Adrenaline
Linda Thompson, British folk-rock musician
Aleesha Rome, causing her to quit her singing career. References


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