7. Voice Changes – The Unheard Echo
Voice changes represent another symptom that individuals with spasmodic torticollis might experience. This can take the form of a shaky or hoarse voice, or the individual might find that their voice tires easily. At its extreme, spasmodic torticollis can lead to a condition called spasmodic dysphonia, where the voice might become strained and difficult to understand.
Much like other symptoms, voice changes can manifest unpredictably. Some individuals might notice a change in their voice after speaking for extended periods, while others might experience this symptom more sporadically. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate these changes, making it difficult for the person to communicate effectively.
These voice changes are a result of the abnormal contractions and movements of the muscles involved in speech production. This causes the vocal cords to behave erratically, leading to the voice changes. The pitch, tone, and volume of the voice might all be affected, contributing to an overall change in how the individual sounds. (7)
