Functional Neural Network Changes After Vibro-tactile Stimulation in Laryngeal Dystonia
Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a focal dystonia affecting laryngeal muscles, causing involuntary spasms that impair speech production. Recent research demonstrated that non-invasive vibrotactile stimulation (VTS) of the laryngeal area can provide acute symptom relief in up to 57% of patients, with improvements in voice quality and reductions in perceived speech effort lasting from minutes to several days. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this therapeutic effect and the factors determining individual treatment response remain incompletely understood. The objective is to evaluate the acute effects of VTS on voice and speech parameters in participants with LD while characterizing associated changes in brain resting-state networks using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
• Diagnosis of laryngeal dystonia previously made by a voice disorder specialist and confirmed by Dr. Misono, UM Otolaryngology.
• Healthy adults, aged 18-75 years with no known neurological or orthopedic deficits that may affect speech motor functions.