Jenny As A Speech Language Pathologist

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Jenny has been admitted to hospital with sudden onset of ‘slow, slurred speech and clumsiness in both hands’. The doctor stated that likely ‘bilateral UMN lesions’ are the cause. It was noted that upon drinking, Jenny finds ‘fluid coming out of her nose’. Jenny is to be referred to a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) for further assessment. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) will be considered in regards to Jenny’s social and environmental factors (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2001). This essay will discuss assessments to help determine Jenny’s overall abilities and concerns to further assist her.

Speech production is generated from the interaction of cognitive, linguistic and motor processes. …show more content…

A SLP may elect to complete a diadochokinetic assessment in order to test speed and coordination of the lips and tongue, as well as the intactness of velar movements. These parameters are evaluated through alternating production of /pa/, /ta/, /ka/ and /pataka/ (Bowen, 2015). Vocal fold and respiratory function can be determined through a maximum phonation time (MPT) assessment (Lowit & Kent, 2011). MPT can be assessed through a sustained /ah/ held for as long as possible, consistently. Given the suggested hypothesis of an UMN lesion it would be expected that Jenny would present with symptoms related to a dysarthria. Dysarthria is characterised by “slow, weak, imprecise movement of the speech musculature” (Yorkston, Beaukelman, Strand, & Hakel, 2010, p. 4). Therefore in Jenny’s case, speech could present as slurred, slow and monotone. Consequently, Jenny’s job in retail and her active social life could be greatly …show more content…

The FDA includes knowledge about MSD’s and is well established for diagnosis of dysarthria. During the FDA the client is rated on a number of tasks related to reflexes, respiration, lips, palate and laryngeal function, tongue and intelligibility (Pearson, 2016). Results are rated to develop the strengths and weaknesses of the client. This test could further solidify a hypothesis of dysarthria. FDA would be highly beneficial to Jenny as what a SLP may define as a weakness, may not be a concern to Jenny, therefore, all aspects must be considered before

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