Vocal Fold Dysfunction (VFD,) also known as Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM) is an often misdiagnosed condition resulting from irritation of the pharynx or upper airway.



This irritation causes episodes of breathing difficulty and sometimes a hoarse voice. These episodes can be triggered by reflux, allergies, odors, and many other factors. Oftentimes people with VFD are misdiagnosed with asthma or allergies before receiving an accurate diagnosis of VFD.

Speech therapists, or speech-language pathologists, are very knowledgeable when it comes to the anatomy and physiology of the voice and throat.



Individuals with VFD are referred to SLPs to learn about the causes of VFD, it’s triggers and how to respond to and eventually prevent episodes of breathing difficulty. Call today for a free consultation.

Vocal tremor is one of the most common neurologic movement disorders. Individuals with vocal tremor experience rhythmic movement of some of the muscles used to produce voice. This results in an involuntary variance in vocal loudness and pitch.

Vocal tremor is often diagnosed by an Otolaryngologist or ENT. Treatment for vocal tremor can include medications, Botox injections, and voice therapy. Voice therapy can be conducted in conjunction with Botox injections.

An experienced speech therapist can identify how vocal tremor affects communication. Treatment includes improving breathing for speech, and recommendations for use of exercises and strategies that will make speaking less effortful and more effective.

Spasmodic dysphonia (SD) is a neurologic voice disorder or dystonia. The exact cause of SD is still unknown, but it occurs when signals from the brain cause the muscles for producing voice to spasm. These spasms result in a voice that sounds strained, hoarse or breathy. 



The majority of individuals with SD are female, and symptoms tend to worsen initially, and then plateau after 1-2 years following onset. SD is often diagnosed by an Otolaryngologist or ENT. Treatment options include medications, surgery, Botox and voice therapy.

A speech therapist can help an individual with SD to better understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Voice therapy will include teaching strategies to improve overall communicative success, along with exercises and techniques to improve breath support for speech and decrease muscle tension in the throat. The goal of voice therapy is to decrease effort associated with speech and improve communicative success. 

Chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks. It leaves a sensation for the frequent need to cough or throat clear. There are multiple factors that can cause chronic cough such as allergies or sinus problems, asthma and other breathing problems, and acid reflux. Chronic cough and throat clearing may impact voice quality, creating a rough sounding voice.

Speech therapists work closely with other medical professionals on the care team such an allergist, pulmonologist, otolaryngologist (ears, nose, and throat doctor), and a gastroenterologist. Speech therapists help individuals understand the triggers of chronic cough, teach ways to lessen coughing, and provide vocal hygiene measures to help keep vocal folds healthy. 

Source ASHA