Definition

Dysarthria is a speech disorder. It differs from aphasia, which is a language disorder.

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 or brain trauma
• Infection
• Conditions that paralyze the face or cause weakness, such as Bell’s palsy
• Degenerative brain disease, such as:
  • Alzheimer disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Huntington chorea
  • Parkinson disease
• Neuromuscular disease, such as:
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Myasthenia gravis
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• Surgery or weakness on 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
• Increased age along with poor health

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

You will be asked 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 may be tested. This can be done with a nerve conduction study.

The electrical function of your muscles may be tested. This can be done with a 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 therapist, which may include focusing on:
  • Doing exercises to loosen the mouth area and strengthening 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 medication

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, talk to your doctor about ways to 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 for medical help right away 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 medications you are taking could lead to dysarthria.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke http://www.ninds.nih.gov

Speech-Language and Audiology Canada http://sac-oac.ca

McGhee H, Cornwell P, et al. Treating dysarthria following traumatic brain injury: Investigating the benefits of commencing treatment during post-traumatic amnesia in two participants. Brain Injury. 2006;20:1307-1319.

Preventing a stroke. National Stroke Association website. Available at:
http://www.stroke.org/understand-stroke/preventing-stroke
Accessed November 23, 2014.