Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0013421 (dystonia)
 8,418 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Episodic paroxysmal laryngospasm (EPL) is a sign of laryngeal dysfunction, often without a specific organic etiology, which can masquerade as asthma, vocal fold paralysis, or a functional voice disorder. The intermittent respiratory distress of EPL may precipitate an apparent upper airway obstructive emergency, resulting in unnecessary endotracheal intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or tracheostomy. During 27 months, seven women and three men, age 30-76 years, were assessed by a high diagnostic index of suspicion, an intensive history including psychosocial factors, physical examination of the airways, provocative asthma testing, and swallowing studies. Videolaryngoscopy, stroboscopy, and pulmonary flow-volume loop testing were definitive. The classic appearance was paradoxic inspiratory adduction of the anterior vocal folds with a posterior diamond-shaped glottic gap. During an attack of stridor or wheezing, attenuation of the inspiratory flow rate as depicted by the flow-volume loop suggested partial extrathoracic upper airway obstruction. Swallowing evaluation by videolaryngoscopy and videosophagography may uncover gastroesophageal reflux disease. Hallmarks of management include patient and family education by observation of laryngoscopic videos, a specific speech therapy program, psychotherapy, and medical treatment of associated disorders. Electromyography may become a valuable future adjunct. Unlike laryngeal dystonia, patients with EPL do not benefit from botulinum toxin type A.
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PMID:Episodic paroxysmal laryngospasm: voice and pulmonary function assessment and management. 865 82

Spasmodic Dysphonia (SD) is a dystonia involving laryngeal musculature thus causing a characteristic voice disorder. Two main types of SD have been described. The adductor type is the commonest and it is characterized by a strain-strangle, choked voice. The abductor type can be distinguished from the previous one by episodes of a blown and whispering voice, interrupting speech. Botulism toxin (BTX) has demonstrated to be the most effective treatment for this condition. Thirty patients diagnosed of SD (twenty-nine adductor type/one abductor type) were included. Their degree of dysphonia was evaluated using both functional and visual-analogue scales. They were treated with BTX vocal cord injections using a percutaneous technique under EMG guidance. Improvements up to a 100% of the normal vocal function were obtained, with an average of 82% in the adductor type. The adverse effects were mild and transient. Hypophonia affected 61.3% of patients lasting an average of 11.3 days. Dysphagia was reported in 44.1% of cases lasting an average of 5.8 days.
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PMID:[Results of using botulism toxin in the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia]. 1199 15