Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery for Voice Disorders in Adults with Laryngeal Dystonia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating Deep Brain Stimulation DBS, a neurosurgical procedure, in people with a type of focal dystonia affecting the vocal cords called Adductor Laryngeal Dystonia ADLD. The study aims to better understand how faulty brain firing patterns cause dystonia and to examine voice outcomes before and after DBS treatment. Participants are individuals who have ADLD and may also have tremors. Participants will undergo DBS surgery targeting the globus pallidus interna as part of their clinical care. Before surgery, they will have specialized testing to study vocal cord movement and functional magnetic resonance imaging fMRI. During the surgery, brain waves will be recorded using microelectrode recording. After surgery and activation of the DBS device, participants will repeat voice tests, vocal cord imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging MRI to assess changes. Throughout the study, participants will have assessments of vocal fold movements, acoustic voice recordings, neuropsychological tests, and speech intelligibility at defined time points before surgery, within 24 hours after surgery, and 6 to 9 months post-surgery. Voice outcomes and brain imaging results will be compared pre- and post-DBS. The study involves careful monitoring of voice and brain function to understand the effects of DBS in treating laryngeal dystonia.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Laryngeal Dystonia: From Mechanism to Optimal Application