Dysarthia

Dysarthria is a group of motor disorders resulting from muscle control of the speech mechanism due to damage of the nervous system. Oral communication problems due to paralysis, weakness or incoordination of the speech muscles.

In some cases Dysarthria can present as the following:

• Slurred, irregular or labored speech
• Imprecise constants and articulation
• Harsh, hoarseness or strained vocal quality
• Slow and effortful or rapid rate
• Reduced volume
• Breathiness, hoarseness, strained, harsh quality
• Hypernasality
• Monopitch
• Choppy (breath phrasing)

Patients that present Dysarthria are those with ALS, Huntington Disease, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, stroke and Myasthenia Gravis.