Kirsti Ranto, the 1998 tango queen, shares her alarming experience of a frightening episode during a car ride and the subsequent diagnosis of a neurological condition known as spasmodic dysphonia.
In a recent episode of the Valo Pimiässä podcast, Kirsti Ranto, the 1998 tango queen, recalls a terrifying incident that occurred during a car journey in 2012, where she suddenly found it difficult to speak and breathe. Her voice became strained and had a rasping quality. After several months of uncertainty, she received a diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia, a rare neurological disorder. Spasmodic dysphonia is characterized by involuntary spasms of the muscles around the vocal cords, making it challenging to speak normally. The symptoms can vary depending on whether the spasms affect the muscles that open or close the vocal cords. According to the Finnish Dystonia Association, the disorder can lead to changes in the tone or volume of speech, and while it has no cure, treatments such as botulinum toxin injections and speech therapy may help alleviate symptoms. Ranto's experience shines a light on the struggles faced by those with neurological disorders, highlighting the importance of awareness and understanding of such conditions. Her story serves as a source of inspiration for others dealing with similar challenges, showing that one can continue to pursue their passions despite health issues.
