Archives

Hyoid Muscle Distonia (2015)

January 13, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The key phrases search at the Movement Laboratory at the Mayo Clinic Rochester revealed 55 patients were administered botulinum toxin to their hyoids during the 10-year time period from 1993-2013. Of those 55 patients, 15 indicated dystonia specially in the hyoid muscle. Of these patients, the average age was 49.5 years. The major symptoms mentioned […]
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Botulinum Toxin in Management of Synkinesis in Patients With Unilateral and Bilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis (2017)

January 11, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The researchers followed 12 patients with airway obstruction due to synkinesis and were treated with BOTOX. All 12 people experienced RLN damage due to medical examination or treatment. Patients were followed every three months (but were seen more frequently if needed), and were followed between 2008 and 2015. BOTOX works by preventing presynaptic release of […]
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Voice Restoration After Laryngectomy

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This handout describes the advantages and disadvantages of different techniques for voice restoration, including electrolarynx, esophageal speech, and tracheoesophageal puncture. This handout is best suited for patients considering laryngectomy and provides a starting point to discuss voice restoration options before the surgery is completed.
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Voice Exercises

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This handout includes descriptions for the following exercises: deep breathing, lip/tongue trills, yawn-sigh, pitch slides, voicing vowels, syllable repetitions, and humming scales.
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Throat Clearing Alternatives

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Frequent unnecessary throat clearing could lead to temporary vocal cord damage. This handout explains some of the natural reasons for throat clearing and how to try to use alternative strategies to reduce vocal cord damage.
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The Relationship Between Breath Support and Speech Production

January 10, 2022 by Megan Berg.
Pulmonary complications are common following brain injury. This handout explains how reduced breath support can lead to speech deficits and provides evidenced-based exercises that can be completed to improve breath support for speech production.
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Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract (SOVT) Exercises

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
SOVT exercises are commonly used in voice treatment because they allow the vocal folds to vibrate with less effort and more ease. They can be helpful for warming up the voice, relaxing the voice throughout the day, cooling down the voice, and promoting vocal longevity.
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Refractory Chronic Cough

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
The handout provides a visual of the cough reflex arc as well as the urge to cough scale. This handout is designed for clinicians who are working with patients to resolve refractory chronic cough.
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Quick, Informal Voice Assessment

January 5, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This two-page evaluation form includes diadochokinetic rate, s/z ratio, maximum phonation, and fundamental frequency. Evidence-based norms are included for all parts.
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Vocal Fold Function

January 4, 2022 by Megan Berg.
This resource differentiates asthma and vocal fold dysfunction, laryngospasm vs vocal fold dysfunction, and lists key features of various vocal fold disorders.
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