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The point-touch technique for botulinum toxin injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia: quality of life assessment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2011

S Morzaria  and
E J Damrose
S Morzaria*
Affiliation:
Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
E J Damrose
Affiliation:
Division of Laryngology, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, California, USA
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Sanjay Morzaria, Clinical Instructor, University of British Columbia, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 103–8556 120th Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3N5, Canada Fax: (778) 565 3249, E-mail: Morzaria@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Background:

Botulinum toxin injection under electromyographic guidance is the ‘gold standard’ for adductor spasmodic dysphonia treatment. The point-touch technique, an alternative injection method which relies on anatomical landmarks, is cheaper, quicker and more accessible, but has not yet gained widespread acceptance due to concerns about patient satisfaction.

Objective:

To assess swallowing and voice-related quality of life following point-touch botulinum toxin injection in adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients.

Setting:

Stanford University Voice and Swallowing Center.

Design:

Prospective case series (evidence level four).

Methods:

Consecutive adductor spasmodic dysphonia patients with a stable botulinum toxin dose–response relationship were recruited prospectively. The Eating Assessment Tool and Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaires were completed pre-treatment and at 10 and 30 per cent completion of the injection cycle, respectively.

Results:

Thirty-seven patients completed follow up. The mean total botulinum toxin dose was 0.88 units. Pre-treatment Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire results reflected the burden of disease. Post-treatment Eating Assessment Tool and Voice-Related Quality of Life questionnaire results were collected at 2.53 and 7.84 weeks, respectively; the former showed an increase in dysphagia, albeit statistically insignificant, while the latter showed significantly improved scores (both domain and total).

Conclusion:

The point-touch technique is a viable alternative for botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia.

Keywords

Spasmodic DysphoniaNeurologic AdductorQuality Of LifeLarynxBotulinum Toxins
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 125 , Issue 7 , July 2011 , pp. 714 - 718
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2011

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Footnotes

Presented at the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Meeting, 23–26 May 2010, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

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