Spasmodic dysphonia causes the muscles in the vocal cords to move without your control. This type of movement is called a “spasm” and can interfere with your vocal cord’s natural vibration and ability to form proper sounds. Spasms can impact your ability to speak, and can also result in vocal strain. If you begin to notice unexplained changes in your voice or are concerned about vocal cord tremors and spasms, contact South Florida ENT Associates.

Vocal Disorder Treatment Options

Vocal cord tremors and spasms cannot be cured, but SFENTA can help patients manage them. Through specific treatments, you can regain more control over your voice and find relief. Some of the main treatment methods for vocal tremors and spasms include:

Speech Therapy

Working with a speech therapist can help patients gain some control over their spasms and begin to adapt to them. This ensures they interrupt your speech less frequently and help you to speak more clearly.

Speech therapy

Injections

The injection of specific neuromodulators, including Botox®, can also help manage vocal spasms. These injections relieve muscle spasms and prevent some abnormal movements of the vocal folds. Neuromodulator injections will need to be repeated to ensure continued results. 

Injections

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More About Vocal Spasms and Tremors

Understanding the function of the vocal folds can help patients better understand vocal spasms and tremors. For us to speak, the air is moved from our lungs through the vocal folds. When the air moves, the pressure causes the vocal folds to vibrate and we’re able to speak. Spasmodic dysphonia causes the muscles to move involuntarily, making it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate.

When the muscles move unexpectedly, it can interfere with your regular speech. Those with the condition can experience a varying degree of spasms in both frequency and duration. In some cases, spasms may be occasional and have little impact, while in others it can make holding a conversation challenging.

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Symptoms of Vocal Spasms

Other than the actual spasms or tremors, those with spasmodic dysphonia may also experience:

  • Difficulty changing vocal pitch 
  • Difficulty speaking at a higher volume 
  • Strained voice
  • Vocal breaks

Your Treatment with SFENTA

SFENTA’s network of ENT specialists has been helping patients across South Florida improve their health for over 30 years. Our office has set itself apart by providing each patient with:

Patient-Centered Care

You’ll receive one-on-one care with our team of physicians, ensuring you get the time and attention you deserve.

Continuity of Care

Our staff strives for care that offers you long-term relief from the symptoms impacting your lives.

A Network of Highly Trained Physicians

With over 50 board-certified physicians, we’ve ensured we’re prepared to help address any ENT concern or diagnosis.

The Security of a Community Staple

After helping patients in the South Florida community for over 30 years, you can feel confident in your care with SFENTA.

Vocal Tremors & Spasms FAQs

Who is at risk for vocal spasms or tremors?

Vocal spasms and tremors are more common in certain groups, including: 

  • Those in middle age
  • Those whose jobs require frequent talking
  • Women (females are at a higher risk)

Vocal spasms and tremors can also be found in those outside of these groups.

How long do vocal spasms and tremor symptoms last?

Symptoms of vocal spasms and tremors typically progress for one or two years and then stabilize. Those with the condition will continue to experience symptoms, although the degree of the condition should be stable.

If I have vocal spasms, will I also have tremors?

Not necessarily. In those with vocal spasms, roughly 25% experience tremors.

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