Guide To The Symptoms Of Dystonia

Speech Issues

Speech issues are especially common with the cranial (oromandibular) and laryngeal forms of dystonia. Patients with cranial dystonia may notice that their mouth opens involuntarily, and they might notice their bottom jaw shifts to one side or the back. The jaw could suddenly clench shut, and involuntary movements of the tongue and lip muscles may be present. These symptoms could make speech difficult, and involuntary tongue or lip movements might make words difficult to pronounce or to speak clearly. Laryngeal dystonia patients could have a voice that sounds raspy, strangled, or breathy, and they may have to exert additional effort to speak. These individuals often report their speech improves if they are singing or whispering. Patients whose speech issues are caused by oromandibular dystonia could benefit from oral medications, speech and swallowing therapy, and the use of sensory tricks to temporarily block muscle spasms. Individuals with laryngeal dystonia usually respond well to neurotoxin injections, and a surgical procedure known as selective laryngeal adduction denervation and reinnervation may be considered.

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