Spasmodic Dysphonia Bulletin Board

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Posted by: Ida Neary ® 08/17/2006, 07:28:26

Did anyone read the article in the WSJ yesterday about a Dr. Steven Zeitels at Massachusetts General Hospital doing a laser light surgery for vocal disorders? The article didn't mention SD by name but referred to spasms of the vocal folds. I can't seem to bring the article up on the WSJ website, someone sent me a copy. It is very interesting. Ida 29 years ADSD (11 years undiagnosed, 10 years successful Botox, 5 years untreated because of immunity to Botox, 3 years since Thyroplasty II)

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Re: Wall Street Journal Re: Wall Street Journal -- Ida Neary Top of thread Archive Posted by: Bill Vanderlinde ® 08/17/2006, 09:48:00 I couldn't find the Wall Street Journal article, but the Boston GLobe has a nice article about Dr. Zeitels here: http://www.boston.com/news/globe/magazine/articles/2004/03/14/a_doctor_for_a_song/ I also checked Dr. Zeitels website at Mass General. His 42 page (!) CV only mentions spasmodic dysphonia twice, both times in the context of treatment with Botox. Finally, I called Dr. Zeitels's office and asked them. They told me he typically uses Botox to treat SD, but might use surgery as well depending on the individual case. This is consistent with what I have heard from other doctors, which is that neurological disorders like SD are best treated by neurological methods like Botox (or SLAD surgery) since the vocal folds themselves are usually healthy. It sounds like Dr. Zeitels has a great reputation for treating voice problems, but I doubt he has a magic bullet for treating SD. Thanks for your post. Bill V. AB/SD Related link: Boston Globe article | Recommend | Alert Where am I? Original message Top of thread Current page