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SALT LAKE CITY -- Botox is known for helping hide wrinkles, but it's also a very effective treatment for more serious problems.
Dr. Marshall Smith, medical director for the Voice Disorders Center at the University of Utah said, "It's quite successful for patients who have a specific voice disorder that's uncommon but it really severely affects patients lives. It's called spasmodic dysphonia."
Bonnie Chesevro has the disorder, and it made her job as a waitress difficult at times.
"People made fun of me, especially young men," Chesevro said. "They would say, 'Ha ha ha, I bet your husband is glad you can't talk.'"
Dr. Smith injects Botox into her vocal fold. That relaxes it and allows Bonnie to speak well. She has the treatment every six months and tries to time it to events such as singing in a choir.
