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Dysarthria: A motor speech disorder. Muscles of face, mouth & respiratory system may become weak, move slowly or not at all due to a stroke or other brain injury. Children and adults can have it.
Some causes include: stroke, head injury, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy.
Characteristics of Dysarthria:
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Slurred speech
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Speaking softly/barely able to whisper
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Slow rate of speech
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Rapid rate with a mumbling quality
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Limited tongue, jaw, lip, and jaw movement
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Abnormal intonation (rhythm when speaking)
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Changes in vocal quality (nasal speech or sounding "stuffy")
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Hoarseness
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Breathiness
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Drooling or poor control of saliva
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Chewing and swallowing difficulty
GOALS OF TREATMENT:
1. Slower rate of speech
2. Improved breathe support
3. Strengthening of muscles
4. Increased movement of articulators
5. Improved articulation
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