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Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) -
Head and Neck Surgery

Patient Success Stories

Spasmodic Dysphonia Patient says Botox Injections Have Improved Her Voice

*“May” first received treatments for spasmodic dysphonia from Tanya Meyer, M.D., [director of the University of Maryland Medical Center’s Voice and Swallowing Disorders Program] in December of 2006. The 85-year old Catonsville resident speaks about her experiences below.

Read her story below:

*Name has been changed by request

Dr. Meyer with May

Dr. Meyer with "May"

I had been suffering with spasmodic dysphonia for several years. I had difficulty with my speech; people couldn’t understand me. On the phone it was especially bad.

I had previously been seen at another local hospital, where I was receiving injections. The last treatment there didn’t work. Before seeing Dr. Tanya Meyer I didn’t want to see anyone or receive treatments anymore, it was horrible.

I went to see a local doctor and he recommended Dr. Meyer because she had state-of-the-art equipment. So I went to see her. She gave me botox injections every three months. They helped me immediately.

Here at the University of Maryland, it’s so simple. The treatments are done in no time. I think Dr. Meyer is wonderful. She’s a nice person and really knows what she’s doing. I still get injections every three months.

The treatments have made a difference in my life. I can now talk normally. I’m back in my women’s club. I’m active — I exercise, walk, and talk to people on the phone. I still drive to my appointments. It has helped a lot, and made my life a lot better. I feel that I’m doing more. Now I’m just trying to catch up on things.


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