Dystonia Rating Scales: Critique and Recommendations
Movement Disorders
Albanese, A., Sorbo, F. D., et al. (2013).
Movement Disorders, 28(7), 874-883.
This systematic review identifies and examines dystonia scales and questionnaires in the literature. Although several identified scales were outside the scope of speech-language pathology, scales were identified that may be applicable to spasmodic dysphonia.
International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Up to June 2012
Published studies (not further specified)
28 measurement scales
<div>Two scales were found that could be used in laryngeal dystonia (spasmodic dysphonia):</div>
<ul>
<li>The <strong>Voice Handicap Index (VHI)</strong> is a simple, efficient self-report scale assessing disability associated with various voice disorders. It has been translated and tested in several languages. The VHI, validated on a heterogeneous group of voice disorders (including laryngeal dystonia), demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The scale "has been used in several studies to assess efficacy of treatments for laryngeal dystonia" (p. 7). </li>
<li>The <strong>Vocal Performance Questionnaire (VPQ)</strong> is a simple, efficient self-report questionnaire designed for functional voice disorders. In one study including patients with laryngeal dystonia, the VPQ demonstrated high internal consistency and test-retest reliability. However, "as a disability scale, it has no discriminant value, and is not specific for dystonia" (p. 8). </li>
</ul>
<div>Ultimately, since neither assessment is specific to spasmodic dysphonia, further validation is needed in this population.</div>
