Study Details

Brain and Muscle Function and Botox Injections in People with Voice Disorder Adductor Laryngeal Dystonia

(IRB#: IRB_00143531)

Voice Disorder Adductor Laryngeal Dystonia (also known as spasmodic dysphonia) causes the muscles in the larynx (voice box) to spasm, resulting in the vocal cords closing too much. This creates voice issues. This study wants to learn the places in the brain that are affected by this voice disorder and by its standard treatment (Botox injections into the throat muscles). People in this study will have brain scans along with assessments of the voice muscles. Brain scans involve lying still in a scanner while resting and speaking, and wearing a head cap while seated and reclined during speaking tasks. Assessment of voice muscles involves small needles inserted into muscles in the voice box. Participants with laryngeal dystonia will have up to 4 brain scans (2 of each kind) and 2 voice muscle assessments over 1 Botox cycle (about 3-4 months). Participants who are not treated with Botox will have brain and muscle assessments 1 time each. This study will also test a specialized speech therapy program for treating Laryngeal Dystonia. Therapy will take place over 6 months (2 Botox cycles) and will incorporate in-person or virtual sessions along with home practice.

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