Botulinum toxin injection - larynx

 

Alternative Names

Injection laryngoplasty; Botox-larynx: spasmodic dysphonia-BTX; Essential voice tremor (EVT)-btx; Glottic insufficiency; Percutaneous electromyography-guided botulinum toxin treatment; Percutaneous indirect laryngoscopy-guided botulinum toxin Treatment; Adductor dysphonia-BTX; OnabotulinumtoxinA-larynx; AbobotulinumtoxinA

Definition

Botulimum toxin (BTX) is a type of nerve blocker. When injected, BTX blocks nerve signals to muscles so they relax.

BTX is the toxin that causes botulism, a rare but serious illness. It is safe when used in very small doses.

Why the Procedure is Performed

You would have this procedure if you have been diagnosed with laryngeal dystonia. BTX injections are the most common treatment for this condition.

BTX injections are used to treat other problems in the voice box (larynx). They are also used to treat many other conditions in different parts of the body.

After the Procedure

You may not be able to talk for about an hour after the injections.

BTX can cause some side effects. In most cases, these side effects only last a few days. Some of the side effects include:

  • A breathy sound to your voice
  • Hoarseness
  • Weak cough
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Pain where the BTX was injected
  • Flulike symptoms

Outlook (Prognosis)

In most cases, BTX injections should improve your voice quality for about 3 to 4 months. To maintain your voice, you may need injections every few months.

Your provider may ask you to keep a diary of your symptoms to see how well and how long the injection is working. This will help you and your provider find the right dose for you and to decide how often you need treatment.

References

Blitzer A, Alexander RE, Grant NN. Neurologic disorders of the larynx. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2010:chap 60.

Krishna P, Rosen CA. Office-based laryngeal procedures. In: Myers EN. Operative Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2008:chap 36.

Van Houtte E, Van Lierde K, Claeys S. Pathophysiology and treatment of muscle tension dysphonia: a review of the current knowledge. J Voice. 2011;25:202-207.

Review Date: 11/25/2014
Reviewed By: Ashutosh Kacker, MD, BS, Professor of Clinical Otolaryngology, Weill Cornell Medical College, and Attending Otolaryngologist, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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