Non-motor symptoms in spasmodic dysphonia: A case control-study.

<bold>Objective: </bold>Non-motor symptoms (NMS) have been identified in some focal adult-onset dystonia. In the present study we aimed to evaluate the presence of NMS in patients with spasmodic dysphonia (SD), a focal action-induced dystonia that affects intrinsic laryngeal muscle control.<bold>Methods: </bold>Seventeen SD patients and 17 control subjects not significantly different in age and sex were evaluated for the presence of NMS. Additionally, voice handicap index (VHI-10), reflux symptom index, neuropsychiatric symptoms and QoL were assessed by validated scales and questionnaires.<bold>Results: </bold>Patients' group significantly differed from control group in mild depressive symptoms (4.35 ± 3.9 vs. 1.47 ± 2; p=0.01), insomnia (35.3% vs. 14.7%; p=0.016), smell and taste loss (11.8% vs. 0%; p=0.033), swallowing difficulties (17.6% vs. 0%; p=0.007) and throat pain (17.6% vs. 0%; p=0.007). In the group of SD, there was no correlation between voice perception evaluated by VHI-10, number of NMS or QoL.<bold>Conclusion: </bold>Patients with SD have a greater burden of depressive, smell, taste, and sleep NMS than control subjects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]