|
| |
SPASMODIC DYSPHONIA
A unique and
individualized disorder. It affects people in different ways both physically
and emotionally. Support is a critical piece to understanding and dealing
with SD. The NSDA offers a range of support options to fit the needs of
affected individuals and their families.
(SD), a focal form of dystonia, is
a neurological voice disorder that involves involuntary "spasms" of the
vocal cords causing interruptions of speech and affecting the voice quality.
SD can cause the voice to break up or to have a tight, strained, or
strangled quality.
|
The mission of the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association is to advance
medical research into the causes of and treatments for spasmodic dysphonia,
promote physician and public awareness of the disorder, and sponsor support
groups for patients and their families.
|
Support groups, both on-line and
in-person, give help and hope. They can provide companionship, offer
valuable adaptive strategies, and lessen the loneliness and isolation that
may play role a in chronic disorders. Support groups also provide people a
chance to give of themselves, and, when doing so, help others and
themselves.
Printed material and videos help to better understand what SD is and assist
in educating family, friends, and others, while symposiums provide a chance
meet with others affected by SD and ask questions of the leading medical
professionals in the field. |
|
