Role of Botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia: Experience in Bangladesh Medical University

Authors

  • Mohammad Idrish Ali Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
  • Mohammad Wahiduzzaman Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
  • Syed Ali Ahasan Assistant Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangladesh Medical Uneversity, Dhaka
  • Mohammad Anwar Hossain Associate Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka
  • Sheikh Hasanur Rahman Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka
  • Kamrul Hasan Tarafder Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v31i2.88999

Keywords:

Role of Botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia

Abstract

Background: Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a focal dystonia and adductor SD is the commonest form. The standard treatment for adductor SD is EMG-guided, transcutaneous injections of botulinum toxin into the thyroarytenoid muscle.

Methods: This is a prospective study on patients with adductor spasmodic dysphonia done in Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka from January 2020 to January 2023. All of the patients were studied with a complete head and neck and neurologic examination, fiberoptic laryngostroboscopy, and a speech evaluation including the Universal spasmodic dysphonia rating scale and VHI. Proper counselling regarding the results & possible complication was done. All patients received botulinum toxin injections into the thyroarytenoid muscles under fiberoptic laryngostroboscopy guidance, post injections following results were recorded.

Results: The median duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 12 months: all were adductor in type. The average age at onset was 44 years. The time for botulinum toxin to take effect averaged 3 days (peak effect, 7 days). The patients received substantial
relief from their SD symptoms, an average functional improvement of 40%. Patients’ best voice was achieved within one week and persisted for an average of 14 weeks. Side effects from the injections included mild breathiness (68%) and mild choking onfluid (56%). After injection, decreased potential for volume was a common complaint. Almost all of the patients returned for repeat injections when the benefit diminished (After 12-16 weeks).

Conclusion: Botulinum toxin therapy has become the standard care for the treatment of SD. An acceptable and flexible treatment plan to produce a balance between decreased spasms and loss of function must be developed for each patient.

Bangladesh J Otorhinolaryngol 2025; 31(2): 52-61

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Published

2026-04-21

How to Cite

Ali, M. I., Wahiduzzaman, M., Ahasan, S. A., Hossain, M. A., Rahman, S. H., & Tarafder, K. H. (2026). Role of Botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia: Experience in Bangladesh Medical University. Bangladesh Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, 31(2), 52–61. https://doi.org/10.3329/bjo.v31i2.88999

Issue

Vol. 31 No. 2 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

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