Dysarthria and Aphasia

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Dysarthria and Aphasia

Definition

Dysarthrias or commonly known as Dysarthria, refers to a group of

speech problems where sounds may be slurred, and speech may be slow or

effortful. Noticeable changes in pitch, volume, and tempo of speech

occur. Speech can become nasal, and the voice can sound either breathy

or harsh.

Dysarthria occurs in both children and adults. Yorkston, Strand,

Miller, Hillel, and Smith (1993) found reduction in speaking rate to

be the strongest predictor of decrease in speech intelligibility.

Etiology

Dysarthria is related to neuromuscular diseases such as cerebral

palsy, Parkinson's, Lou Gehrig's disease, or later stages of multiple

sclerosis. It can also occur from stroke, brain injury, and tumors.

The exact speech problem that occurs depends on the part of the

nervous system that is affected. Degenerative disease due to the

effects of upper and lower motor neuron changes; the speech of

individuals with ALS is classified as mixed (spastic and flaccid)

dysarthria (Duffy, 1995).

A number of subsystems must work together, for speech to be clear. A

weakness in any of the systems or lack of coordination between systems

can result in dysarthria.

If the respiratory subsystem is fragile, then speech may be quiet and

formed one word at a time. If the laryngeal system is weak, speech may

be breathy, too quiet and slow. If the velopharyngeal subsystem is not

working, speech may sound too nasal or nasal sounds may be missing. If

the articulatory subsystem is not working, speech may sound slurred,

may have many errors and may be slow and labored.

Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the ...

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