MTD meaning in Medical ?

Muscle tension dysphonia (MTD) was originally coined in 1983 by Morrison and describes a dysphonia caused by increased muscle tension of the muscles surrounding the voice box: the laryngeal and paralaryngeal muscles. MTD is a unifying diagnosis for a previously poorly categorized disease process. It allows for the diagnosis of dysphonia caused by many different etiologies and can be confirmed by history, physical exam, laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy, a technique that allows for the direct visualization of the larynx, vocal cords, and vocal cord motion.

MTD has been known by other names including muscle misuse dysphonia, hyperfunctional dysphonia, and hyperkinetic dysphonia among others. MTD can be broken in two groups: primary and secondary. Primary MTD occurs without an underlying organic cause while secondary MTD occur due to an underlying organic source.

MTD is more commonly diagnosed in women, the middle aged, and individuals who have high levels of stress. It also more often seen in those who use their voice often such as singers and teachers.