Voice Tremor and Botulinum Neurotoxin Therapy: A Contemporary Review

Toxins (Basel). 2022 Nov 9;14(11):773. doi: 10.3390/toxins14110773.

Abstract

Voice tremor is a common, yet debilitating symptom for patients suffering from a number of tremor-associated disorders. The key to targeting effective treatments for voice tremor requires a fundamental understanding of the pathophysiology that underpins the tremor mechanism and accurate identification of the disease in affected patients. An updated review of the literature detailing the current understanding of voice tremor (with or without essential tremor), its accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment options was conducted, with a specific focus on the role of botulinum neurotoxin. Judicious patient selection, following detailed characterisation of voice tremor qualities, is essential to optimising treatment outcomes for botulinum neurotoxin therapy, as well as other targeted therapies. Further focused investigation is required to characterise the response to targeted treatment in voice tremor patients and to guide the development of innovative treatment options.

Keywords: botulinum neurotoxin; essential tremor; voice tremor.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A* / adverse effects
  • Essential Tremor* / diagnosis
  • Essential Tremor* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Neuromuscular Agents*
  • Tremor / diagnosis
  • Tremor / drug therapy
  • Voice Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Voice Disorders* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Agents
  • Botulinum Toxins, Type A

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.