Dysarthria that occurs as a result of brain damage before birth is known as developmental dysarthria, and occurs most often in children. Adults are more likely to develop dysarthria as a result of injury, tumor, or a condition such as Parkinson’s disease.
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) adds that dysarthria can cause the muscles of the mouth, face and respiratory system to become weak, move slowly or even be unable to move at all. In addition, the type and severity of dysarthria will depend on which part of the nervous system is affected.
Prognosis of the disease
The prognosis depends on how someone has developed the condition. Some types of dysarthria will evolve over time, while others will remain the same or may improve with treatment.
Dysarthria that occurs as a result of brain damage before birth.
Symptoms of dysarthria
Symptoms of dysarthria may include:
- Irregular speech rhythm
- Speech that is loud or slurred
- Slow or slurred speech
- Monotone speech
- Nasal or stilted voice
- Problems moving the tongue or lips
The combination of one or more of these problems can make it difficult to understand what a person with dysarthria is trying to say, so the goal of treatment is to improve communication when possible, either directly (by improving speech quality) or indirectly (by finding other ways to communicate).
How is dysarthria diagnosed?
A physician will diagnose dysarthria by conducting an evaluation. It may ask you to read something aloud, talk about a particular topic, or make certain sounds.
What causes dysarthria?
Dysarthria can be caused by a number of conditions, including:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebral palsy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Lyme disease
- Huntington’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Dysarthria can also develop as a result of head injury, brain tumor, or stroke.
How is dysarthria treated?
Dysarthria is treated by a speech-language pathologist. The specialist will support both the person with dysarthria and his or her family and close friends in finding better ways to communicate, and offering advice on possible strategies. He or she will also teach the person exercises to strengthen facial muscles, improve breathing and therefore make speech louder and clearer.
In some cases, the speech pathologist may recommend the use of specialized equipment to help the person with dysarthria communicate. This may include a variety of tools, from simple letter boards to specialized computer equipment, such as voice output systems.
Consult our speech therapy specialists and schedule your appointment.