What are the symptoms of dysarthria?
People with dysarthria may show several signs, including:
- Slurred or slow speech
- Changing pitch or volume when talking
- Talking too softly or too loudly
- Difficulty moving the mouth or tongue
- Having a nasal or flat voice
- Feeling tired when talking
What causes dysarthria?
Dysarthria can occur due to various reasons, such as:
- Neurological conditions like stroke or brain injury
- Conditions that affect nerve or muscle function, such as cerebral palsy
- Diseases that impact speech muscles, like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Medications that influence muscle control
How common is dysarthria?
Dysarthria can affect anyone, but it is more common in people who have had strokes or neurological disorders. It can happen at any age, but it is often noticed in older adults.
Who is more likely to get dysarthria?
Certain groups may be more at risk for developing dysarthria, including:
- People who have suffered a stroke
- Individuals with conditions like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease
- People with brain injuries
- Those with progressive neurological diseases
How can I treat dysarthria?
Dysarthria can be managed with various treatments, such as:
- Speech therapy to improve communication skills
- Exercises to strengthen speech muscles
- Using devices or apps that assist with communication
- Addressing underlying health issues
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How to live with dysarthria?
If someone has dysarthria, they can take steps to make communication easier, such as:
- Practising speaking in a quiet place
- Using hand signals or gestures
- Asking others to be patient and attentive
- Joining support groups for encouragement
What support is available for people with dysarthria?
Support for individuals with dysarthria can include:
- Consulting speech and language therapists
- Joining support groups for those with speech disorders
- Access to assistive communication devices
- Family and friends providing encouragement and understanding
Final thoughts
Dysarthria can make it challenging to communicate, but there are effective treatments and supports available. If you have concerns about your speech or that of someone else, it is important to speak to a GP or healthcare provider.
