Definition

Dysarthria is a speech disorder. It happens when the muscles 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. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes    TOP

Common causes are:

• Stroke
• Brain tumor or traumatic brain injury
• Infection
• Conditions that paralyze the face or cause weakness, such as Bell palsy
• Degenerative brain diseases, such as
  • Alzheimer disease
  • Huntington chorea
  • Parkinson disease
• Neuromuscular diseases, such as:
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Myasthenia gravis
• Alcohol or substance use disorder
• Surgery or weakness on the tongue
• Structural problems, such as not wearing dentures
• Side effects of medicines that act on the central nervous system

Risk Factors    TOP

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    TOP

Problems may be:

• 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    TOP

The doctor will ask about your 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:

• X-rays
• MRI scan
• CT scan
• PET scan
• Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan

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

• A nerve conduction study
• An electromyogram

Treatment    TOP

The cause will need to be treated. Speech therapy will also be needed.

Prevention    TOP

There are no known guidelines to prevent this health problem. Managing chronic health problems may help.