• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.75-78
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• 2014

Functional dysphonia refers to a voice disturbance that occurs in the absence of structural or neurologic laryngeal pathological characteristics. Poorly regulated activity of the intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles is cited as the proximal cause of functional dysphonia (FD). Recently, the term functional dysphonia has been replaced in some clinical circles by diagnostic label muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), which serves to highlight excess, dysregulated, or imbalanced activity of the intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles as proximal cause of the observed dysphonia. And recent research evidence points to specific personality traits as important contributors to its development and maintenance. However, the origin of this dysregulated laryngeal muscle activity has not been fully elucidated. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of functional dysphonia, and factors contributing to its successful management.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.145-150
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• 2002

Background and Objectives : Patients with so-called 'functional voice disorders' who have structurally normal larynges and demonstrate muscle misuse in the larynx, and those with several interacting causes including habitual muscle tension, are probably better defined as having a 'muscle misuse voice disorder'. The purpose of this study was to analyze the voice and effectiveness of voice therapy in patients with functional voice disorders and to provide a guide for the treatment of functional voice disorder. Materials and Method : The records of 35 patients, presenting with functional voice disorder and receiving voice therapy during October, 2001 to September, 2002, were reviewed. Prior to voice therapy, the stroboscopic examination of their larynx, aerodynamic and acoustic analysis was done. The results of voice therapy were compared according to the patient's subjective, perceptual evaluation of voice, and maximal phonation time. Results : Patient's subjective, perceptual evaluation, and maximal phonation time showed superior results after voice therapy. Conclusion : The result of this study indicates that voice therapy is an effective treatment method of patients with functional voice disorder, especially muscular tension dysphonia.