Singer's Dystonia: First Report of a Variant of Spasmodic Dysphonia

Abstract

Objectives: We discuss the phonatory characteristics of a previously undescribed focal laryngeal dystonia present in the singing voice. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 5 patients with singer's dystonia at a neurolaryngology referral center. Results: Four patients reviewed demonstrated phonatory characteristics consistent with adductor spasmodic dysphonia present in their singing voice. One patient demonstrated abductor spasmodic dysphonia in the singing voice. Each patient initially exhibited normal connected speech in conversational voicing. The treatment protocol and outcome are discussed, including the use of botulinum toxin. Conclusions: Singer's dystonia is a previously undescribed neurologic disorder that should be understood by those who treat voice performers and voice disorders.