Open AccessPRESENCE OF DYSPHONIA IN INDIVIDUALS WITH TOURETTE’S SYNDROME
Author(s) -
Humaira Hussain
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
pakistan journal of rehabilitation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2311-3863
pISSN - 2309-7833
DOI - 10.36283/pjr.zu.4.1/009
Subject(s) - tics , psychology , voice disorder , audiology , tourette syndrome , spasmodic dysphonia , population , etiology , perception , developmental psychology , psychiatry , medicine , neuroscience , botulinum toxin , environmental health
Professionals working in the field of voice disorders have come torecognize the variability of vocal qualities in different populations.While voice disorders can be of organic, neurogenic, or functionaletiology, concomitant disorders often directly impact the vocalfeatures. Such a disorder is Tourette’s Syndrome which is an impairmentcharacterized by motor and vocal tics. This study examinedthe prevalence of voice disorders in individuals with Tourette’sSyndrome. Research was conducted over the duration of two yearswith clientele aged 15;2 to 26;5. Participants were receiving continuoustreatment from a team of neurologist and psychologist atprivate clinics situated around a suburban area. Two case studiesconsisting of 1-2 individuals were also closely examined to furtherdistinguish the types of voice disorders present given the severity ofmotor and vocal tics. Instrumental and perceptual analysis wasobtained to accurately diagnose the voice disorder. Given thesample of participants, presence of spasmodic dysphonia andfalsetto were noted. Results of this study indicates a strong presenceof dysphonia in individuals with Tourette’s Syndrome, particularlyspasmodic dysphonia and falsetto. Additionally, dysphonic vocalqualities were irrelevant to the existence of vocal tics. Furtherresearch with this population is mandated to determine assessmentand treatment strategies