Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is a voice disorder characterized by the changes in the voice as a result of extreme muscle tension in the larynx (voice box). It develops when muscles around the voice box tighten while speaking or singing. It affects more women than men, and you are at a higher risk if your age is between 50 to 60 years.
There are two types of MTD, primary and secondary MTD. With primary MTD, muscles in your voice box tighten, making it difficult to talk. However, there is no abnormality in the voice box. With secondary MTD, your voice box has an abnormality which causes increased use of muscles to compensate for the adverse effects of an underlying problem.
What’s the cause of MTD? The exact cause of muscle tension dysphonia is unknown. However, it can be triggered by the following factors:
In some cases, anxiety and emotion-related disorders are suspected of causing MTD.
MTD may result in a wide array of symptoms. Some of the signs to watch out include:
To note is that the above symptoms vary with the demand for voice. They also differ from person to person. They can also develop intermittently. At times your voice is normal, and then hoarseness crops up without any warning sign.
Are you experiencing any of the above symptoms? Please visit Westside Head & Neck for a comprehensive MTD exam. Our ENT doctor in Los Angeles will carry out a complete checkup to determine the precise cause of your symptoms.
MTD can be diagnosed by a voice specialist or a speech-language pathologist (SLT). How do they diagnose? There is no definite diagnostic tool for MTD. However, voice specialists carry out the following procedures to be as accurate as possible.
To examine your larynx further, your SLT may use his hands to feel if there is tenderness or lumps in your throat. Also, thorough a procedure called laryngoscopy; your doctor can have a better view of your voice box. Many conditions could mimic MTD. To be sure, visit a specialist for proper diagnosis to determine what’s troubling your throat.
There are a couple of treatment options available for MTD. Let’s dive into them.
It is the most common type of treatment. Your doctor examines how you use your voice. After observation, your doctor uses the below methods to facilitate you to use your voice effectively. These methods are:
The above techniques are dependent on whether your MTD is primary or secondary. Your doctor will use a combination of the above methods that are specific to your case.
In your voice therapy journey, the SLT will also advise you against triggers that may be contributing to MTD. He could recommend the following to alleviate your problem:
To undertake voice therapy, you need a specialist with long-standing experience in the field. Contact our team of board-certified doctors at Westside Head & Neck. Our experts shall provide comprehensive guidance that will get you back to your healthy self.
It’s opted to address underlying issues that have damaged your voice box muscles. Surgery is usually recommended as the last option. Vocal cord surgery aims to remove lumps, polyps, and other tumors that are inhibiting your voice box from functioning optimally.
How is vocal cord surgery done? It can be done by making a surgical incision on your neck. It can also be done by inserting a tube through your mouth. In both instances, you will be under general anesthesia.
Tracheostomy may be necessary, to improve your ability to breathe and swallow, if your throat pathway narrows after surgery.
Are there any risks of larynx surgery? Like any other surgery, larynx surgery comes with risks, such as infection, bleeding, and adverse reaction to anesthesia. Other risks include damage to the voice box and breathing difficulties. The rapture of the carotid artery is rare, but it can occur.
If you have been diagnosed with MTD and surgery is the way out, visit Westside Head & Neck for vocal cord treatment. Also, to aid your recovery process, consult us for tracheostomy treatment in Los Angeles.
We are dedicated to providing the best treatment using the latest technology for optimal results.
If you are in the risky age bracket, observing the following will go a long way in the prevention of MTD. Try to avoid:
Even though there is no known cause of MTD, observing good voice care is pivotal in reducing the chances. Again, schedule a visit with a voice specialist immediately when you notice a change in your voice.
Is MTD troubling you? We offer comprehensive healthcare from consultation to treatment. Visit us today for proper diagnosis for treatment and rehabilitation services like voice and speech therapy. Patients experiencing breathing problems due to tracheal stenosis should act immediately.
Philosophy