Life Threatening Delayed Complication of Botulinum Toxin Injection for Treatment of Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia is a primary task specific focal dystonia affecting the laryngeal muscles during speech. Most medical and surgical approaches to treatment of spasmodic dysphonia are aimed at the denervation of the laryngeal muscles to block symptom expression in the voice. The standard of care for the adductor form of spasmodic dysphonia is botulinum toxin chemodenervation. The common side effects of treatment with Botox are excessive breathiness and aspiration of fluids. We present the report of a delayed presentation of upper airway obstruction due to a complete vocal cords adduction requiring intubation ten days post Botox injection for the adductor form of spasmodic dysphonia. This presentation may be preceded by a change in voice, productive cough, shortness of breath, or odynophagia. We would recommend supportive treatment in an Intensive Care Unit and close liaison with the otolaryngology team for the management of this complication. Acute upper airway obstruction requiring tracheal intubation is a delayed complication of botulinum toxin administration in the adductor form of spasmodic dysphonia.