Are there different types of spasmodic dysphonia?
The two types of recognized spasmodic dysphonia are adductor spasmodic dysphonia and abductor spasmodic dysphonia. Adductor SD causes an intermittent excessive closing of the vocal folds during vowel sounds in speech; while in abductor SD, there is a prolonged vocal-fold opening during voiceless consonants. The control problems of the vocal cords result in different speech symptoms in the two types of disorder. There are three subtypes of SD which have been identified by clinicians. One is a combination of adductor and abductor symptoms in which an individual may demonstrate both types of spasms as he/she speaks. In a second subtype, SD symptoms are accompanied by a voice tremor. A third subtype involves a primary voice tremor that is so severe the patient experiences adductor voice stoppages during the tremor.
