Spasmodic Dysphonia in Multiple Sclerosis Treatment With Botulin Toxin A: A Pilot Study

J Voice. 2019 Jul;33(4):550-553. doi: 10.1016/j.jvoice.2018.01.002. Epub 2018 Apr 9.

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effect of botulin toxin A in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) affected by spasmodic dysphonia (SD) and to show the safety and effectiveness of this treatment in long-term observation.

Materials and methods: This is a pilot study on three relapsing-remitting MS patients with SD and their response to botulin toxin A.

Results: None of the patients reported dysphagia or other adverse events. Significant improvement was observed in terms of both voice quality and laryngostroboscopy results. The treatment effect was durable for 6-8 months.

Conclusions: Botulin toxin A is a safe treatment that can be successfully used to treat SD in patients with MS. Larger studies are necessary to confirm our results.

Keywords: Botulin toxin A; Dysphonia; Multiple sclerosis; Spasmodic dysphonia; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A / administration & dosage*
  • Dysphonia / diagnosis
  • Dysphonia / drug therapy*
  • Dysphonia / etiology
  • Dysphonia / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Larynx / drug effects*
  • Larynx / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / complications*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / physiopathology
  • Pilot Projects
  • Recovery of Function
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Voice / drug effects*

Substances

  • Acetylcholine Release Inhibitors
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A