Organic Voice Disorders

Question 1

vocal fold atrophy

Answer 1

loss of vocal fold muscle bulk and tone; the lamina propria becomes thinner and looser
- aka vocal fold bowing or presbylaryngis
- onset typically in 60s and 70s

Question 2

Reinke’s Edema

Answer 2

swelling of the vocal folds caused by excess fluid in vocal fold tissue
- caused by:
—allergic reactions; excessive use; smoking; hormonal changes; systemic disorders
- causes dysphonia (hoarseness and reduced f0)

Question 3

subepithelial lesions (nodules)

Answer 3

lesions on the vocal folds caused by high impact use of the vocal folds
- usually bilateral and opposite of eachother (bc vocal folds are slamming tgth)

Question 4

How does HPV affect the voice?

Answer 4

HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause wart-like growths on the vocal folds that can cause dysphonia (hoarseness and reduced f0), and compromise the airway

Question 5

spasmodic dysphonia

Answer 5

a neurogenic voice disorder in which the vocal folds close or open irregularly, causing a strained quality
- a type of dystonia: neurological disorder that causes muscles to spasm involuntarily
- unknown cause
- adductor: vocal folds close irregularly
- abductor: vocal folds open irregularly
- mixed: a combination of adductor and abductor SD
- other activities involving the vocal tract (ie. breathing or swallowing) are unaffected