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Published on: January 5, 2024
Pain and Sensitization in Voice Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Preliminary Report
Pelin Yuksel1, Seunghyun Baek2, Robert T Sataloff2
1University of Pennsylvania, College of Arts and Sciences, Philadelphia, PA; Drexel University College of Medicine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Philadelphia, PA.
Objectives:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition characterized by altered pain processing through various modes of sensitization. Although voice disorders have been reported in patients with FM, little is known about how FM influences the presentation and management of laryngeal pain. This case series describes patients with FM with specific presentations of voice-related pain during evaluation and treatment of voice disorders.
Methods:
A retrospective chart review was conducted of adult patients with diagnoses of both FM and at least one voice disorder treated at a tertiary laryngology practice. Five patients were identified, and their clinical presentation, treatment course, and outcomes were reviewed.
Results:
Patients presented with persistent laryngeal and related pain in conjunction with a variety of laryngeal pathologies; across cases, pain severity appeared disproportionate to objective laryngeal findings. Pain often persisted despite improvement in voice quality following treatment. Some patients also demonstrated amplified pain postoperatively or limited tolerance of standard voice therapy.
Conclusions:
These cases suggest that FM and altered pain processing may influence symptom burden and outcomes in patients with voice disorders. Recognition of the role of fibromyalgia and sensitization in voice disorders may support multidisciplinary management and individualized treatment strategies.
