National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders Spasmodic dysphonia, also called laryngeal dystonia , is a voice disorder. It is characterized by involuntary spasms or movements in the muscles of the larynx, which causes the voice to break, and have a tight, strained, or strangled sound. D ifficulties that result from spasmodic dysphonia range from occasional problems with saying a word or two to complete inability to communicate. Spasmodic dysphonia most often affects women, particularly between the ages of 30 and 50. The spasms interfere with vibration of the vocal cords and production of sound is difficult.
Stress can make spasms more severe.
Speech sounds are strained and full of effort. Spasms do not occur when whispering, laughing, singing, speaking at a high pitch, or speaking while breathing in. Vibration cannot occur when cords are open so production of sound is difficult. Also, the open position allows air to escape during speech. Speech sounds are weak, quiet, and whispery.