7. Dysphonia: When Your Voice Betrays You
One of the less known symptoms of pseudobulbar palsy is dysphonia, a term used to describe any changes in vocal quality. This includes alterations in volume, pitch, resonance, or vocal stamina. People with dysphonia may have a hoarse, breathy, or weak voice that tires easily.
Dysphonia results from impaired control over the muscles that produce sound, including the vocal cords and respiratory system. In pseudobulbar palsy, damage to the nerve pathways governing these muscles can lead to dysregulation of muscle coordination necessary for voice production, resulting in dysphonia.
Living with dysphonia can be frustrating and isolating. Struggling to make oneself heard can result in fatigue, embarrassment, and reduced communication. This could, in turn, lead to social withdrawal and reduced participation in activities that involve speaking, such as work or social gatherings.
Managing dysphonia often involves a combination of speech therapy and, sometimes, medication. Speech therapy can help with strategies to optimize voice use and improve vocal quality. (7)
