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Dysarthria

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Dysarthria

Definition

Dysarthria is a speech disorder. It happens when the muscles or nerves needed for speech are damaged or weak.

It is not the same as aphasia , which is a language disorder.

Mouth and Throat.

Dysarthria may happen due to problems with the muscles needed to speak.

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Causes

Common causes of dysarthria are:

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in older adults. It is also more common in people who have any of the health problems that cause dysarthria.

Symptoms

A person with dysarthria may have:

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

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on the muscles needed for speech.

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

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

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to help a person speak. The cause of dysarthria will need to be treated. Speech therapy will also be needed.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to prevent dysarthria. Managing long term health problems may help.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Dysarthria. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association website. Available at: https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/dysarthria.
  • O'Hare, A. and Bremner, L. Management of developmental speech and language disorders: Part 1. Arch Dis Child, 2016; 101 (3): 272-277.
  • Speech and language disorders. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/speech-and-language-disorders.
  • Stroke symptoms. American Stroke Association website. Available at: https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/stroke-symptoms.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-11-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.