How Do You Spell SPASTIC APHONIA?

1. Spastic aphonia is a medical condition characterized by a loss or impairment of the voice due to spasticity or muscle tension in the laryngeal muscles. It is a form of dysphonia, which refers to any disorder affecting the voice. In spastic aphonia, the spasticity in the laryngeal muscles prevents normal vocal cord movement, resulting in a weak, strained, or completely absent voice.

   The term "spastic" indicates the presence of increased muscle tone or stiffness, which is often caused by neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system. Disorders such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, or strokes can lead to spasticity, and consequently, spastic aphonia.

   Individuals with spastic aphonia typically experience difficulty producing sounds, which can severely impact their ability to communicate effectively. The voice may be hoarse, breathy, or reduced to a whisper. The lack of vocal control and strained effort to speak often contribute to the characteristic strained quality of the voice.

   Treatment of spastic aphonia generally focuses on managing the underlying neurological condition to alleviate the symptoms. Speech therapy may help improve voice projection, breath control, and vocal cord coordination. Techniques such as vocal exercises, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques may be employed to improve voice production and quality.

   Overall, spastic aphonia is a voice disorder caused by increased muscle tension in the larynx, leading to difficulty in vocalization and speech production. With proper management and therapy, individuals with spastic aphonia can achieve improved voice control and communication abilities.

2. A spasmodic contraction of the adductor muscles excited by an attempt at phonation.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SPASTIC APHONIA

The term "Spastic Aphonia" is a medical phrase that combines two separate terms, each with its own etymology:

1. Spastic: The word "spastic" comes from the Greek word "spastikos", which means "drawing or pulling". It was initially used to describe a specific type of muscle disorder characterized by spasms or involuntary muscle contractions. Over time, the term has been applied to various medical conditions involving muscle stiffness or tightness.

2. Aphonia: The term "aphonia" is derived from the Greek word "aphonos", which means "without voice". It refers to the inability to produce normal speech sounds or total loss of voice due to vocal cord paralysis or other disorders affecting the vocal cords.

When combined, the term "Spastic Aphonia" refers to a condition where a person experiences voicelessness or severe impairment of speech due to spasticity or stiffness of the vocal cords.