Emory Voice Center News and Events

BOTOX INJECTIONS FOR VOICE DISORDER

Continued hoarseness and a weak, breathy voice that last for more than two weeks can often signal a serious problem. Voice disorders affect 7.5 million Americans, but because diagnosis of some of these conditions is difficult, many do not get the treatment they need. One voice disorder called spasmodic dysphonia can be treated with Botox injections, the same injections used to remove wrinkles. Spasmodic dysphonia is a condition where the vocal cord muscles contract and spasm, causing people to sound as if they are straining to talk.

This VNR features a woman with spasmodic dysphonia who gets her voice back with the help of Botox.

Soundbites include: Dr. Michael Johns, Director of the Emory Voice Center, and Rita Melville, a patient who suffers from a voice disorder

Patient Info: Possible risks associated with Botox injections into the vocal cords include temporary swallowing and breathing difficulties, but the risks are small.

In most cases, the procedure is covered by insurance. For more information, contact Emory HealthConnectionSM at 404-778-7777 or 1-800-75-EMORY (1-800-753-6679).

Emory Voice Center staff

Download an Emory Voice Center podcast

Listen to Emory Voice Center physicians talk about the what makes the Emory Voice Center unique. Click the image to the left or DOWNLOAD the MP3 here.

Speakers: Dr. Michael Johns, III; Dr. Adam M. Klein; Edie Hapner PhD, CCC-SLP

EMORY VOICE CENTER PRESS RELEASES

27 March 2008
Emory Voice Center Helps Patients Restore Damaged Voice with Injectable Gel
Damaged and paralyzed vocal cords can be restored with use of a natural filler, similar to collagen, that typically is used to plump lips or smooth wrinkles, say doctors at the... FULL STORY

May 7, 2007
New Laser Offers Alternative to Surgery in Treating Voice Disorders Emory University Hospital Midtown is the only site in the Southeast to use a new type of laser to treat certain voice disorders that in the past might have required surgery. Called the pulsed pota... FULL STORY

April 4, 2007
Emory Voice Center Hosts First Annual Research Benefit in Honor of World Voice Day
April 16 is a memorable day to many because it signifies that tax returns are due, but it is also important because it is World Voice Day - a day to raise public awareness about the importance of the ... FULL STORY

October 17, 2006
National Spasmodic Dysphonia Expert Speaks at Emory Crawford Long Hospital
The Emory Voice Center welcomes guest speaker Christy Ludlow, PhD, chief of the Laryngeal and Speech Section of the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke, to the first gathering of t... FULL STORY

July 15, 2005
Emory Physician Receives Award to Support Research on the Aging Voice
Michael M. Johns, III, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Emory University School of Medicine and director of the Emory Voice Center, will receive the prestigious Dennis W.... FULL STORY

April 12, 2005
'Listen to Your Voice, It May Be Telling You Something': World Voice Day 2005
The problem developed slowly over time. Self-described as a Type-A personality, Steve Walton, an associate professor in the practice of decision and information analysis, Emory University Goizueta B... FULL STORY

May 21, 2004
Voice Patients Get Better at Emory with New "Virtual" Technology
Professionals who use their voices to make a living are intensely aware of the problems that tired and overstressed vocal cords can cause. The healing process includes learning proper use of the voi... FULL STORY