Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Ultrasound-guided Botulinum Toxin-A Injections: A Method of Treating Sialorrhea
Published on: November 9, 2016
Outcomes of botulinum toxin treatment for patients with spasmodic dysphonia
M S Benninger1, G Gardner, C Grywalski
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Hospital, 2799 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. Mbenning@HFHS.org
Background:
Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a focal dystonia of the larynx. Although individuals with SD have variable degrees of difficulty in everyday communication and speaking, many report significant impairments. The impact of SD on the quality of life of people with the disorder has not been well measured.
Objectives:
To assess the impact of SD using a voice-specific, validated outcomes instrument, the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and to evaluate the effect of botulinum toxin treatment on quality of life.
Methods:
The VHI measures 3 subscales (physical, functional, and emotional) of impact of a voice disorder as well as a total impact score. The VHI was completed by 30 consecutive patients with SD before receiving botulinum toxin injection and 2 to 4 weeks after injection. Pretreatment scores on the VHI were compared with posttreatment scores.
Results:
Pretreatment scores on the VHI showed significant impairment in all 3 subscales (physical, 25.5; functional, 21.4; and emotional, 20.4) and the total score (67.6). Statistically significant improvements occurred in all 3 subscale scores and the total score (P =.001) for the 22 patients who completed the posttreatment survey.
Conclusions:
Spasmodic dysphonia has a significant impact on patients' perception of quality of life as measured by the VHI. Significant improvements in all 3 subscale scores and the total score on the VHI occur after treatment with botulinum toxin.
Related Concept Videos
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Directly Acting Muscle Relaxants: Dantrolene and Botulinum Toxin
The binding of dantrolene to the RYR1...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
Unlike...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Peripherally and Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: A Comparison
Centrally acting muscle relaxants can be further divided into spasmolytic and antispasmodic drugs. Spasmolytic drugs,...
Botulism

