Definition

Dysarthria is a speech disorder that affects the muscles of the face, which become weak, move slowly, or do not move. It differs from aphasia, which is a language disorder.

Dysarthria

Causes

This condition can be caused by not being able to control and coordinate the muscles that you use to talk. This can result from:

  • Stroke
  • Brain tumor
  • Brain trauma
  • Infection
  • Conditions that paralyze the face or cause weakness, such as Bell’s palsy
  • Degenerative brain disease, such as:
    • Alzheimer’s disease
    • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Huntington’s chorea
    • Parkinson’s disease
  • Neuromuscular disease, such as:
    • Cerebral palsy
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Muscular dystrophy
    • Myasthenia gravis
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Surgery on the tongue
  • Weakness of the tongue
  • Structural problems such as not wearing your dentures
  • Side effects of medications that act on the central nervous system

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chance of developing dysarthria include:

  • Being at high risk for stroke
  • Having a degenerative brain disease
  • Having a neuromuscular disease
  • Abusing alcohol or drugs
  • Being older and having poor health

Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dysarthria include:

  • Speech that sounds:
    • Slurred
    • Hoarse, breathy
    • Slow or fast and mumbling
    • Soft like whispering
    • Strained
    • Nasal
    • Suddenly loud
  • Drooling
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, paying close attention to your:

  • Ability to move your lips, tongue, and face
  • Production of air flow for speech

Images may be taken of your brain. This can be done with:

  • MRI scan
  • CT scan
  • PET scan
  • Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan
  • Swallowing study, which may include x-rays and drinking a special liquid

The electrical function of your nerves or muscles may be tested. This can be done with:

  • Nerve conduction study
  • Electromyogram

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

  • Addressing the cause of dysarthria, such as stroke
  • Working with a speech language pathologist, which may focus on:
    • Doing exercises to loosen the mouth area and strengthen the muscles for speech
    • Improving how you articulate
    • Learning how to speak slower
    • Learning how to breath better so you can speak louder
    • Working with family members to help them communicate with you
    • Learning how to use communication devices
    • Safe chewing or swallowing techniques, if needed
  • Changing medicine

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting dysarthria, take the following steps:

  • Reduce your risk of stroke:
    • Exercise regularly.
    • Eat more fruits and vegetables. Limit dietary salt and fat.
    • If you smoke, quit.
    • Maintain a healthy weight.
    • Check your blood pressure often.
    • Take a low dose of aspirin if your doctor recommends it.
    • Keep chronic conditions under control.
    • Call 911 if you have symptoms of a stroke, even if symptoms stop.
  • If you have an alcohol or drug problem, get help.
  • Ask your doctor if medicines you are taking could lead to dysarthria.

Keywords :

Dysarthria Definition, Dysarthria Causes, Dysarthria Symptoms, Dysarthria Complications, Dysarthria Surgery Cost in India, Dysarthria Treatment Hospital in India, Dysarthria Treatment in India, Dysarthria Doctors in India, Dysarthria Meaning in Hindi, Dysarthria Meaning in Bengali, Dysarthria Meaning in Arabic, Dysarthria Treatment cost in 2024, Dysarthria Hospital in India, Dysarthria Treatment Near Me, dysarthria treatment, dysarthria treatment exercises, dysarthria causes, 7 types of dysarthria, hypokinetic dysarthria, dysarthria symptoms, medications that cause dysarthria, flaccid dysarthria treatment

Scroll to Top