Laryngeal Sensory Symptoms in Spasmodic Dysphonia

The purpose of this research was to determine whether an association between laryngeal hypersensitivity (LH) and spasmodic dysphonia (SD) exists using the LH Questionnaire (LHQ). This study also explored the prevalence of self-reported upper respiratory infection (URI) at the time of SD onset across SD phenotypes.

Individuals with and without SD were recruited to complete an online survey measure. All respondents provided demographic information and completed the LHQ. Participants with SD were also asked to provide information about their diagnosed SD subtype and pattern of onset, including whether onset was associated with a URI. The percentage of respondents with and without SD who were classified with LH was determined based on the LHQ. Scores on the LHQ were also compared between the non-SD and the SD groups, as well as between SD phenotypes (adductor SD, abductor SD, and mixed)).

Significant associations were found between ADSD and LH, mixed SD and LH, and URI at time of SD onset and increased severity of LH symptoms. These findings suggest that laryngeal sensory symptoms may potentially contribute to or result from motor spasms in SD and/or have implications for its pathophysiology.