Article in USA Today on Vocal Cord Dysfunction

I read this article in USA Today on vocal cord dysfunction and though this condition does exist, I do believe it is over-diagnosed. Another common cause of stridor with exercise is due to non-organic stridor where the vocal cords are so pliable, they vibrate even when they are widely apart, especially in young female athletes.

The key for diagnosis is to perform a fiberoptic laryngoscopy when symptommatic. Previous patients of mine know that I make them run laps around our office building until they start having symptoms at which time I will perform the exam. Here is more info on this particular topic.

Article in USA Today on Spasmodic Dysphonia

On January 15, 2007, an article appeared on spasmodic dysphonia in USA Today. Click here to read the article.

Dr. Chang treats patients with spasmodic dysphonia using BOTOX every Friday afternoon. To watch a video of how exactly her performs this procedure in a patient, click here.

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Books on voice therapy found to be a useful ADJUNCT to botox injections:

New Video and Audio of True Vocal Cord Swelling in a Singer

A new audio and video strobe examination of a singer with true vocal cord swelling has been posted here. This example clearly demonstrates the hourglass gap with vocal cord adduction due to the swelling as well as onset delays and pitch breaks common in this particular disorder.

Vocal cord swelling is a very common and treatable cause of hoarseness in singers and in people who just plain like to talk a lot. It is considered the first stage before formation of nodules/polyps/cysts if not treated.

LECTURE: Anatomy & Function of the Singing Voice

Dr. Chang has been invited to be a guest lecturer at Shenandoah University to give a talk on the human voice in the course "Anatomy & Function of the Singing Voice". The lecture will be held at Shenandoah University from 4-6PM on March 21, 2007.

LECTURE: The Human Voice

Dr. Chang will be giving a two part lecture series on the human voice in both health and disease in Fauquier Hospital, sycamore room on May 2 and May 23 from 7-9PM.

The lectures are both free and geared towards the non-health professional. Please pre-register by calling 540-341-0805.