Long-Term Daytime Use of Sodium Oxybate in Laryngeal Dystonia: A Follow-Up Online Survey Study

Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a task-specific focal dystonia marked by involuntary spasms in the laryngeal muscles during speech production. Sodium oxybate has recently been demonstrated as a new treatment option for alcohol-responsive (EtOH+) LD patients.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term use of sodium oxybate for the treatment of LD.

A total of 149 LD patients were invited to complete the online survey study. Seventy-seven patients (mean age 65.2 ± 11.5 years, 54 females/23 males) completed 21 questions related to their disorder and the use of sodium oxybate.

Six patients (7.8%) reported receiving a prescription of sodium oxybate for the treatment of their voice symptoms. Of these, three EtOH+ patients (50%) reported receiving 1-1.25 g of sodium oxybate on an as-needed basis, with an average of 79.3% ± 20.0% reduction in self-perceived voice symptoms following drug intake. Drug usage ranged from three times per day 5 days per week to three times per month over the span of 6 months-12 years. Patients reported experiencing mild side effects that lasted 1-2 h, including drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea. The remaining three patients reported not being able to fill their prescriptions due to medical insurance reimbursements.

Despite the limited sample size, this study demonstrates that the long-term daytime use of sodium oxybate for the treatment of voice symptoms is safe and effective for EtOH+ isolated focal LD patients. The study highlights medical insurance coverage as one of the limiting factors hindering LD patients from accessing this medication.

Level 4.