Category: Parkinsonism, Atypical: MSA
Objective: To investigate the correlation between speech parameters and dysphagia severity in patients with MSA.
Background: Dysphagia is an early and underestimated symptom in MSA and associated with malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia and overall shorter survival. We previously showed a high prevalence of laryngeal motion abnormalities in MSA patients. We furthermore showed that laryngeal pathology is caused by a dystonic innervation of laryngeal muscles. Since innervation of laryngeal and pharyngeal structures overlap, we hypothesized a correlation of dystonic voice parameter and dysphagia severity
Method: After full informed consent was obtained, patients with MSA underwent flexible endoscopy for swallowing evaluation (FEES) assessing both laryngeal and swallowing parameters, following a previously published protocol. In addition, voice samples were recorded of each patient following a structured protocol.
Results: Between November 2021 and March 2022, we recruited 20 MSA-patients. By September 2022, we intend to present data from 50 MSA patients. Our preliminary analysis shows a correlation of voice pitch with dysphagia severity.
Conclusion: Laryngopharyngeal pathology can clinically be linked, with voice abnormalities hinting towards an increased probability of more severe dysphagia.
To cite this abstract in AMA style:
T. Hähnel, L. Berger, K. Schimming, A. Vogel, G. Ebersbach, B. Falkenburger, F. Gandor. Correlation of Voice parameters and Dysphagia Severity in Multiple System Atrophy [abstract]. Mov Disord. 2022; 37 (suppl 2). https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/correlation-of-voice-parameters-and-dysphagia-severity-in-multiple-system-atrophy/. Accessed June 15, 2025.« Back to 2022 International Congress
MDS Abstracts - https://www.mdsabstracts.org/abstract/correlation-of-voice-parameters-and-dysphagia-severity-in-multiple-system-atrophy/