Muscle Tension Dysphagia: Diagnosis and Treatment

Muscle tension dysphagia (MTDg) is often encountered in otolaryngology clinical settings. It is a diagnosis of exclusion for a functional idiopathic swallowing disorder associated with abnormal laryngeal muscle tension. Abnormal laryngeal muscle tension is often associated with disorders of laryngeal hyperresponsiveness such as muscle tension dysphonia, chronic cough, globus pharyngeus, and paradoxical vocal fold motion. Patients with suspected muscle tension dysphagia may exhibit concurrent disorders of laryngeal hyperresponsiveness. Proper dysphagia and gastroesophageal screening are critical in the diagnosis of muscle tension dysphagia and must not be omitted. Our studies have shown high treatment efficacy with the unloading of laryngeal muscle tension with the use of voice therapy techniques utilized in the treatment of muscle tension dysphonia. This course introduces primary and secondary muscle tension dysphagia, and critical aspects of clinical assessment and treatment approaches will be discussed. The course instructor will also provide an in-depth demonstration of therapy techniques that she frequently utilizes in the treatment of muscle tension dysphagia.

Related Courses:
LAB for Unloading Laryngeal Muscle Tension to Improve Voice and Swallowing
LAB: The Vocal Function Exercises and Variations