The common name for laryngeal dystonia. Dystonia is a neurologic movement disorder, caused by a problem in the nervous system. The vocal folds vibrate normally, but they spasm intermittently during speech. There are three different types of spasmodic dysphonia (SD): abductor SD, adductor SD, and mixed abductor and adductor SD. Term found in Types of Voice Disorders: Spasmodic Dysphonia.

momentary disruption of voice caused by involuntary movements of one or more muscles of the larynx (voice box).

A manifestation of dystonia. SD involves the muscles of the larynx and surrounding muscles and therefore involves speech. In individuals with SD, speech in blocked by intermittent spasms of the voice box (larynx).

Temporary loss of voice.

a form of dystonia affecting the muscles controlling the vocal cords. As a result, the speech of people with SD may be reduced to a whisper, or be produced only haltingly, and with great effort

A poorly understood voice disorder whereby the vocal folds either clench tightly together (adductor type) or resist meeting midline (abductor type). The individual has difficulty producing voice. The voice produced has a strained or strangled quality.

Spasmodic dysphonia (or laryngeal dystonia) is a voice disorder characterized by involuntary movements of one or more muscles of the larynx (vocal folds or voice box) during speech. Individuals who have spasmodic dysphonia may have occasional difficulty saying a word or two or they may experience sufficient difficulty to interfere with communication. Spasmodic dysphonia causes the voice to break or to have a tight, strained or strangled quality.