Patients with spinal cord injury frequently develop dysphonia, impacting communication and quality of life. A new systematic review clarifies assessment and rehabilitation strategies, highlighting critical tools and areas needing further research.
The review analyzed 18 studies involving 303 adults with acquired spinal cord injury. Most participants were male, with an average age of 39. Studies primarily focused on cervical injuries with varied etiologies and impairment levels.
Assessment methods were diverse, commonly employing spirometry, plethysmography, acoustic analyses, and patient-reported outcomes like the Voice Handicap Index (VHI 10). The review suggests a combined approach using spirometry, indirect laryngoscopy, acoustic and perceptual analyses, and VHI 10 for comprehensive evaluation.
Rehabilitation evidence was more limited, with reported approaches including speech valves, glossopharyngeal breathing, abdominal binding, and neurologic music therapy. Abdominal binding and neurologic music therapy showed the most consistent benefits.
Researchers conclude that dysphonia after spinal cord injury is understudied. They call for larger, higher-quality studies to standardize protocols and improve voice outcomes for this population.