Case Report: Benefits of LSVT LOUD in a multilingual patient with hypokinetic-hyperkinetic dysarthria and suspected progressive supranuclear palsy.

PURPOSE

This case study measured how well the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) improved vocal features, intelligibility, and communicative effectiveness for a multilingual participant with hypokinetic-hyperkinetic dysarthria secondary to suspected progressive supranuclear palsy. LSVT treatment was chosen for the participant due to the strengths and deficits he presented with prior to treatment, and for the anticipated challenges in treatment that may arise from the presence of multilingualism and impaired cognitive functioning.

METHODS

A multilingual patient in their 60's (English, Spanish, and French) with hypokinetic-hyperkinetic dysarthria secondary to suspected progressive supranuclear palsy completed the standard treatment sessions for LSVT. Assessment measures were taken at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and three-months post-treatment.

RESULTS

Improvements were measured in vocal quality, vocal loudness, intelligibility, and communicative effectiveness immediately post-treatment. Three months post-treatment, improvements in vocal quality and intelligibility were maintained.

CONCLUSION

This case study illustrates that LSVT may be a beneficial treatment for complex clients who are multilingual and present with complex comorbidities and cognitive deficits. LSVT resulted in some meaningful changes in vocal quality, intelligibility, and communicative effectiveness for this individual. Clinicians who work with complex patients may wish to consider the theoretical underpinnings of LSVT, client profile, areas of client need, and ability and desire to complete an intensive treatment program to determine if trialing LSVT is appropriate. The use of LSVT with complex clients may yield positive outcomes.