Spasmodic Dysphonia

Characterized by periods of uncontrolled vocal spasms, throat tightness and hoarseness, spasmodic dysphonia disorder is mysterious. It's likely because no cause nor cure has been identified. Also, the disorder is not well known, however, an estimated 30,000 Americans have it. One is Scott Adams, the popular Dilbert cartoonist, who recently recovered from the disorder.

From Seattle Times:

"I don't want to give false hope to people who are suffering from the same thing," Adams said. "I don't even know if my voice is going to last."

Adams, 49, appears to be a rare example of someone who has largely -- but not totally -- recovered from spasmodic dysphonia, a disorder in which parts of the brain controlling speech shut down or go haywire.

One of the most peculiar aspects of spasmodic dysphonia is that patients are typically unable to have intimate conversations in their normal voice. Yet they can speak under different circumstances, such as immediately after sneezing or laughing, or in an exaggerated falsetto or baritone, or while reciting poetry, according to support groups.

A possible cause of the disorder has been cited as abnormal chromosomes. Treatment includes injecting the vocal chords with botulinum toxin which paralyzes the tissue and prevents spasms. Some therapeutic value has been derived from chanting nursery rhymes which Adams believes helped his recovery.

Heh.