The diagnosis, clinical findings and treatment options for Parkinson's disease patients attending a tertiary referral voice clinic.

Abstract

Background: Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, mainly affecting motor functions including the voice. The aetiology of dysphonia changes throughout the course of disease progression.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the laryngeal changes seen in early-, mid- and late-stage Parkinson's disease. Thirteen patients with Parkinson's disease are presented, representing the largest series of voice patients with Parkinson's disease seen in a voice clinic in the literature.

Method: Age, gender, severity of handicap caused by voice disorder and possible associated reflux symptoms were examined.

Results: Laryngeal function appeared to change gradually with progression of the disease, and may have been affected by the presence of pre-existing laryngeal pathology.

Conclusion: Laryngeal function in Parkinson's disease appears to go through a series of changes that may be helped by both therapeutic and surgical interventions. These patients should be treated within the confines of a voice clinic multidisciplinary model.