Muscle Tension Dysphonia

Muscle Tension Dysphonia

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • What is muscle tension dysphonia?

    A dysphonia (diss-PHONE-nee-ah) is the medical term for a voice disorder. Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) is one of the most common voice disorders. It occurs when the muscles around the larynx (voice box) are so tight during speaking that the voice box does not work efficiently. MTD is more prevalent among people in the 40- to 50-year-old age group, especially women. Muscle tension dysphonia is also referred to as muscle misuse dysphonia.

    There are two types of MTD:

    • Primary MTD — In this type, the muscles in your neck are tense when you use your voice but there is no abnormality in the larynx (voice box).
    • Secondary MTD — In this type, there is an abnormality in the voice box that causes you to over-use other muscles to help produce your voice. 

     

    What causes muscle tension dysphonia?

    No one fully understands what causes MTD. It usually begins without warning or explanation. It may be caused by irritants such as an upper respiratory infection, passive smoking, acid reflux or excessive demand placed on your voice. Sometimes, more than one of these factors are present when MTD begins. 

    Appointment Information

    Schedule an appointment by calling us at (734) 936-8051.

    What are the symptoms of muscle tension dysphonia?

    Muscle tension dysphonia has several signs and symptoms, including:

    • Husky, hoarse, breathy and/or rough voice
    • Tightness and even muscle aches in the throat
    • Strained or tight voice
    • Weak or airy voice
    • Sudden breaks or fading of the voice
    • Neck that is tender or sore to the touch
    • Loss of vocal range when singing
    • Feeling the need to clear the throat often
    • Feeling a lump in the throat

    How is muscle tension dysphonia diagnosed?

    The condition is hard to diagnose and is often misdiagnosed. It frequently mimics other illnesses, and there is no definitive test for the condition. An appropriate diagnosis requires a thorough examination by an experienced team of voice specialists. 

    At the University of Michigan Vocal Health Center, we will:

    • Take a complete history of your voice problem 
    • Evaluate your speaking method
    • Examine your vocal cords 

    How is muscle tension dysphonia treated?

    We offer several different treatments for muscle tension dysphonia (MTD):

    • Voice therapy — This is the most common treatment for MTD. It may include resonant voice techniques and massage.
    • Botox injections — Botox is sometimes used along with voice therapy to get the voice box to stop spasms.

    Locations
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
      Entrance 1, Level 2
      Brighton, MI 48116-9416       Get Directions
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | West Ann Arbor Health Center-Parkland Plaza 380 Parkland Plaza Ste 210
      Floor 2
      Ann Arbor, MI 48103-6201       Get Directions
    • Vocal Health Center | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 1 Reception A
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5312       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Jayson Scott Greenberg, MD

    Jayson Scott Greenberg, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Norman Dertad Hogikyan, MD

    Norman Dertad Hogikyan, MD, F.A.C.S.

    Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Robbi Ann Kupfer, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Robert James Morrison, MD

    Robert James Morrison, MD

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Jeffrey John Stanley, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Sleep Medicine, Otolaryngology

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