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Dysarthria Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

What Is Dysarthria?

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury of the motor component of the motor-speech system.

Dysarthria results in weakening of the muscles used for speech and therefore can result in slurry speech.

Causes Of Dysarthria:

Dysarthria can result from a number of conditions, which include the following:

Symptoms Of Dysarthria:

Some common symptoms may include the following:

  • Slurred speech
  • Slow speech
  • Inability to speak louder than a whisper or speaking too loudly
  • Rapid speech that is difficult to understand
  • Nasal, raspy or strained voice
  • Uneven or abnormal speech rhythm
  • Uneven speech volume
  • Monotone speech
  • Difficulty moving your tongue or facial muscles

Diagnosis Of Dysarthria:

The following tests and exams help in diagnosing Dysarthria:

  • Blood tests for toxins or vitamin levels
  • Imaging tests
  1. MRI
  2. CT scans
  • Nerve conduction studies and electromyogram to check the electrical function of the nerves or muscles
  • Swallowing study, which may include x-rays and drinking a special liquid
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Neuropsychological tests.
  • Brain biopsy
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Treatment Of Dysarthria:

The only treatment available for Dysarthria is speech and language therapy.

Skills learnt in this therapy include:

  • Safe chewing or swallowing techniques, if needed
  • To avoid conversations when you are tired
  • To repeat sounds over and over again so you can learn mouth movements
  • To speak slowly, use a louder voice, and pause to make sure other people understand
  • What to do when you feel frustrated while speaking

By : Natural Health News

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