Exploring brain function in voice disorders like laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor
Official title: Understanding disorder-specific neural pathophysiology in laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor
Funded at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary · NIH-10915598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain helps people with laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor speak, using special brain scans to find out what’s happening in their brains during speech, so we can better understand these conditions and improve treatment options for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $743,006 |
| NIH project number | 5P50DC019900-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with laryngeal dystonia or voice tremor who experience difficulties in speech production.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with voice disorders caused by clear physical abnormalities in the larynx may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain controls speech production in individuals with laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor, two neurological disorders that affect the ability to speak. By using advanced brain imaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific patterns of brain activity that occur during speech and how these may differ from normal function. The goal is to understand the underlying causes of these disorders, which do not show clear physical abnormalities in the larynx. This knowledge could lead to better diagnosis and treatment options for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from voice disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain imaging to understand neurological disorders, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simonyan, Kristina — Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
- Study coordinator: Simonyan, Kristina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Next-generation clinical profiling for laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor
A multi-site program is exploring what makes laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor different from other conditions, aiming to improve diagnosis and targeted treatments for people affected by these voice disorders.
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Understanding voice spasms and tremors (laryngeal dystonia and voice tremor)
This program will map patterns and causes of voice spasms and tremors to help people with laryngeal dystonia or voice tremor get more accurate diagnoses and better treatments.
-
Using deep brain stimulation to improve voice control in patients with movement disorders
This study is looking at how a treatment called deep brain stimulation can help people with movement disorders, like laryngeal dystonia and essential tremor, improve their voice control while they talk, so they can better understand how the brain affects voice production and find new ways to help those struggling with
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.