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Vocal Spasms?

Posted by jennymccormick @jennymccormick, Dec 22, 2022

Hello, I have a few vocal disorders and about two weeks ago had my second vocal procedure/surgery. 3 days post op I started to have a very tingling, prickling sensation in my vocal cords and that's followed by several twitches and spasms. They happen in clusters then stop. Some are more severe then others and it feels like my airways is obstructed till the spasm stops. Anyone know what this prickling and spasming sensation could be in the vocal cords? It's very frighting and I'm not sure what I do. Thank you!

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Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Dec 22, 2022

Hi @jennymccormick. With this new development of vocal spasms after your recent vocal surgery it would be important to have that checked out by your physician. You mentioned that this is your second surgery for a vocal disorder. Did the spasms happen after the first surgery too? Have you contacted your doctor or surgeons office?

REPLY
1 reply
jennymccormick | @jennymccormick | Dec 22, 2022
In reply to @loribmt "Hi @jennymccormick. With this new development of vocal spasms after your recent vocal surgery it would..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi @jennymccormick. With this new development of vocal spasms after your recent vocal surgery it would be important to have that checked out by your physician. You mentioned that this is your second surgery for a vocal disorder. Did the spasms happen after the first surgery too? Have you contacted your doctor or surgeons office?

Jump to this post

Thank you for the response. I have a follow up appointment today with my Dr/Laryngologist so I'm hoping he can let me know what this is. I did have a bit of a prickling sensation after the first procedure but there wasn't actual spasms like this. It's like they escalated into full blown attacks of spasms this time. Have you ever heard of anything like this? Thank again!

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1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Dec 22, 2022
In reply to @jennymccormick "Thank you for the response. I have a follow up appointment today with my Dr/Laryngologist so..." + (show)
@jennymccormick

Thank you for the response. I have a follow up appointment today with my Dr/Laryngologist so I'm hoping he can let me know what this is. I did have a bit of a prickling sensation after the first procedure but there wasn't actual spasms like this. It's like they escalated into full blown attacks of spasms this time. Have you ever heard of anything like this? Thank again!

Jump to this post

Hi Jenny, it’s good that you’re able to see your doctor today. They’ll be the best person to give you answers. This is out of my area of experience but my gut reaction was to have you be seen sooner than later. Especially since the long holiday week is approaching.
I wasn’t able to find anyone in our forum with similar symptoms. But your experience will be a good one to share. We never know how many people we impact by sharing our stories. Let me know what you find out, ok?

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1 reply
jennymccormick | @jennymccormick | Dec 24, 2022
In reply to @loribmt "Hi Jenny, it’s good that you’re able to see your doctor today. They’ll be the best..." + (show)
@loribmt

Hi Jenny, it’s good that you’re able to see your doctor today. They’ll be the best person to give you answers. This is out of my area of experience but my gut reaction was to have you be seen sooner than later. Especially since the long holiday week is approaching.
I wasn’t able to find anyone in our forum with similar symptoms. But your experience will be a good one to share. We never know how many people we impact by sharing our stories. Let me know what you find out, ok?

Jump to this post

Hello I did find out from my Laryngologist that I'm having what is called Laryngospasms. It's spasms of the vocal cords that can vary in severity but the vocal cords can spasms and totally close cutting off the airway. We went over rescued breathing techniques and other plans for my case. For my case it's nerve injury related so mine should dissipate soon. Very scary stuff ..

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1 reply
Mentor
Lori, Volunteer Mentor | @loribmt | Dec 24, 2022
In reply to @jennymccormick "Hello I did find out from my Laryngologist that I'm having what is called Laryngospasms. It's..." + (show)
@jennymccormick

Hello I did find out from my Laryngologist that I'm having what is called Laryngospasms. It's spasms of the vocal cords that can vary in severity but the vocal cords can spasms and totally close cutting off the airway. We went over rescued breathing techniques and other plans for my case. For my case it's nerve injury related so mine should dissipate soon. Very scary stuff ..

Jump to this post

Hi Jenny, the news that the vocal cord spasms aren’t serious has to be a relief. And now you have a plan going forward for those panicky situations when you do have the constricting events.
I know sometimes we tend to not want to ‘bother’ our doctors when we have unexplained symptoms we hope will go away on their own. But I’ve learned from experience to just call or get it touch via patient portal and go right to the best answer source. Our medical partners would rather we ask than suffer in silence. 🙂
I’m glad this worked out for you and I hope the spasms end soon. Did your laryngologist give you a time frame for recovery?

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