Botox, also known as “botulinum toxin” is a medication used to treat some voice conditions. Botox works by weakening the muscle it is injected into. In the case of spasmodic dysphonia and tremor, and other conditions of the larynx where the vocal cord muscles spasm, botox works by weakening the muscle. This improves the quality of the voice.
A botox injection is a relatively quick and painless procedure. A small needle is placed through the neck skin and botox injected directly into the vocal cord. Because the procedure is so quick, there is no need for anesthesia, and patients go home the immediately afterwards.
Botox works for 3-6 months, so individuals usually return two to four times a year to have the injection repeated.