This is a voice recording of Dilbert creator Scott Adams after having Selective Laryngeal Adductor Denervation Reinnervation (SLAD-R) surgery for the treatment of spasmodic dysphonia.
Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological voice disorder that causes involuntary breaks in speech. The voice breaks on certain words, sounding strained and shaky (adductor) or it is breathy, fading away to a whisper (abductor). Spasmodic dysphonia impairs communication and can make it a constant struggle to get sentences out.
Often misdiagnosed as chronic laryngitis, muscle tension dysphonia, acid reflux, or stress, there is currently no known cause or cure. Treatments can include voice therapy, botulinum toxin injections or surgery.
For more information contact the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association at www.dysphonia.org.
