Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) and vocal tremors (VT) are neurologic conditions that affect the muscles of the larynx, making speech difficult. While Botox injection into the vocal cords is known to treat SD, its use for the more common VT is unclear.
Priyesh Patel, MD and colleagues conducted the first direct comparison of patient-reported outcomes of Botox for the treatment of SD and VT.
In an analysis of 548 patients, they found that Botox resulted in improved voice quality for both conditions. They also found that Botox was more effective if the tremor involved the vocal cords rather than other muscles in the throat.
The results, reported in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, demonstrate that Botox is an effective treatment for multiple types of voice muscle problems, including vocal tremors. Botox injection into the vocal cords can lead to improved quality of life for the many patients with these conditions, the authors noted.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health (grants DC013559, DC012687).