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Semin Speech Lang 2011; 32(1): 043-057
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1271974
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Development of a Speech Treatment Program for a Client with Essential Vocal Tremor

Julie Barkmeier-Kraemer1 , Andrea Lato2 , Kay Wiley1
  • 1Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson
  • 2Educational Therapy Services, Tempe, Arizona
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 April 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Vocal tremor is characterized by involuntary rhythmic modulations of pitch and loudness and is best perceived during sustained phonation of vowels. It is most often present in individuals affected by neurogenic disorders such as Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal muscular dystrophy, spasmodic dysphonia, and essential tremor. Vocal tremor does not appear to be responsive to systemic pharmaceutical management but may benefit from injection of botulinum toxin (i.e., Botox) into affected musculature. However, many individuals do not tolerate the potential side effects of severe breathiness and difficulty swallowing associated with Botox injections. In this article, we summarize the speech evaluation and treatment methods successfully used with an individual with essential vocal tremor. Methods used for characterizing the individual's vocal tremor patterns and the ensuing rationale for behavioral intervention is provided. The outcomes of this case example motivated consideration of speech treatment as a beneficial strategy for some individuals with vocal tremor.

KEYWORDS

Vocal tremor - voice disorder - voice treatment - voice evaluation - essential tremor

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Julie Barkmeier-KraemerPh.D. CCC-SLP 

Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona

1131 E. 2nd Street, P.O. Box 210071, Tucson, AZ 85721

Email: jbark@u.arizona.edu

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