[Dysphagia] Off-topic: Unusual voice pt

[connorswa at ph.upmc.edu (Connors, William A)]

How about a mild ataxic dysarthria?

-----Original Message-----
From: dysphagia-bounces@b9.com [mailto:dysphagia-bounces@b9.com]On
Behalf Of Sandi Lancaster
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2004 10:54 AM
To: dysphagia listserve
Subject: [Dysphagia] Off-topic: Unusual voice pt


Hi all,
 
I'm looking for suggestions on a pt I evaluated this week.
 
69 y.o. woman had a CVA several weeks ago.  The CVA appears to have been fairly mild overall in terms of its effects on her.  I received MD orders to eval for for "dysarthria in a singer."  Her speech in conversation is WNL; artic is fine, resonance is fine.  She indicated that her voice is slightly lower in pitch than before the CVA.  No changes noted in vocal quality, resonance, or loudness.  The real issue to her is that she noticed about 1 week post-CVA that she is now singing "off-key".  She sings in several choirs and so this is of considerable concern to her.  
 
I had her do maximal loudness and quiet voice tasks, as well as high pitch and low pitch, all of which she can do WNL.  When she goes to do a scale, she is, as she reported, slightly off-pitch.  (Probably about what I am on a good day!)
 
She is interested in doing exercises to improve her singing so that she can continue to sing in the choirs, etc.  She is cognitively intact and I expect that her follow-thorugh would be excellent.
 
My question is:  will vocal function exercises be of help here?  My understanding of the rationale with vocal function exercises is that they "restore balance" to the larynx.  Any thoughts on whether vocal function exercise may be of assistance?  Any other suggestions?
 
I appreciate any input!
 
-Sandi

		
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