garbled speech definition

Slurred Speech: Recognizing and Addressing the Causes

Slurred speech is a common symptom that affects a person’s ability to speak clearly. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including neurological conditions, intoxication, and physical impairments. This type of speech disorder impacts communication and can be a source of frustration for both the speaker and the listener. The nature and severity of slurred speech can vary significantly from one individual to another, making it a complex issue to approach.

Understanding slurred speech involves recognizing its potential causes and the ways it presents itself. Diagnosing the underlying issue often requires a professional evaluation, which may include speech-language pathology assessments and neurological exams. Speech disorders are not one-size-fits-all, and determining the precise nature of the impairment is crucial for effective treatment.

Treatment strategies for slurred speech aim to improve communication skills and address the root cause when possible. Therapeutic interventions may include speech therapy exercises, and, in some cases, medical treatments or assistive technology. For those living with speech impairments, adapting to communication challenges is a part of daily life, and support systems play a key role in managing the condition.

Key Takeaways

• Slurred speech can signal various underlying conditions and affects clear communication.
• Accurate diagnosis involves professional evaluation and tailored strategies are crucial for effective treatment.
• Ongoing support and appropriate therapy are essential for managing and improving speech impairments.

Understanding Slurred Speech

I’ll be examining slurred speech, technically known as dysarthria. This condition affects the precise movements required for speech due to muscle control problems resulting from nervous system damage. It’s marked by slow, slurred, and difficult-to-understand speech.

Causes of Dysarthria

Dysarthria can stem from various conditions that impair the nervous system. Stroke is one of the main culprits, as it can damage the brain’s areas that control speech muscles. Other neurological diseases, like multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), progressively hamper speech by affecting nerves responsible for muscle movements. Brain tumors also can interfere with speech by exerting pressure or damaging the brain regions involved in speaking. Lastly, conditions such as muscular dystrophy can weaken the muscles necessary for speech, leading to dysarthria.

Forms of Dysarthria

• Flaccid Dysarthria: Often a result of stroke or ALS, this form involves weakness in the speech muscles, manifesting in a breathy, soft, or even hoarse voice.
• Spastic Dysarthria: Mainly associated with conditions like MS, it causes the muscles to be tight or stiff, making speech slow and strained.
• Ataxic Dysarthria: Connected to damage in the cerebellum, possibly due to a stroke, where speech may sound slurred and uncoordinated.
• Hypokinetic Dysarthria: Frequently seen in Parkinson’s disease patients, characterized by a monotone, soft voice with reduced movement of speech muscles.
• Hyperkinetic Dysarthria: Can be caused by various neurological conditions and results in unpredictable, often rapid movements affecting speech rhythm and tone.

Diagnosis and Evaluation

In diagnosing slurred speech, I focus primarily on comprehensive medical assessments and targeted speech evaluations. These approaches help pinpoint the underlying causes and determine the most appropriate treatments.

Medical Assessments

I begin by collecting a detailed medical history, which informs me about any past illnesses, surgeries, or ongoing health conditions that may contribute to the speech difficulties. During the physical examination, I assess the patient’s cranial nerve function, which can uncover issues with the muscles that control speech. I may also request imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to examine the brain’s structure for any abnormalities. If necessary, blood or urine tests are conducted to check for infections, metabolic conditions, or toxins.

Speech Evaluation

Next, I collaborate with a speech-language pathologist who conducts a thorough speech evaluation. This process often includes a range of tests to determine the specific characteristics of the speech disorder. We analyze the patient’s ability to pronounce words, maintain rhythm, and control the volume of their speech. Depending on the findings, the pathologist may recommend specific exercises to address the areas in need of improvement. These customized sessions are vital in developing a therapy plan tailored to the individual’s needs.

Treatment Strategies

Effective treatment of slurred speech may involve a combination of medical interventions and rehabilitative therapies tailored to address the underlying causes and to improve communication abilities.

Medical Interventions

When I assess individuals with slurred speech, a careful consideration of medications that could improve neurological function or address contributing factors is crucial. For example, in cases where slurred speech is due to a condition such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or multiple sclerosis (MS), I might prescribe medications like riluzole for ALS or disease-modifying therapies for MS, which can indirectly help manage symptoms. In instances where slurred speech results from stroke or brain injury, anti-platelet agents or anticoagulants can be vital in preventing future incidents.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural issues causing slurred speech. For example, if there’s a nerve injury affecting speech muscles, surgical intervention might include nerve repair or nerve transfer procedures. It’s important to conduct a thorough evaluation and discuss with patients the potential risks and benefits of surgery.

Rehabilitative Therapies

Rehabilitative therapies are central to the treatment of slurred speech, and they often involve a multidisciplinary team approach. Speech therapy is a cornerstone in this process, with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) employing various techniques to improve speech clarity and articulation. Strategies may include:

• Articulation exercises: These help to strengthen the muscles used in speech.
• Breath support exercises: Improved control over breathing can aid better speech production.
• Pacing techniques: Teaching patients to regulate speech rate can enhance intelligibility.
• Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): For individuals whose speech remains unintelligible, SLPs might introduce AAC devices to facilitate communication.

Exercise programs aimed at enhancing muscle strength and coordination can also assist in improving slurred speech. Individuals are encouraged to practice targeted exercises regularly to maintain and improve motor function associated with speech.

My approach to treatment ensures that each individual’s communicative needs are met with a personalized plan that fosters the best possible outcomes.

Living with Speech Impairments

In my experience, adapting to a speech impairment involves a complex interplay of personal adjustments and seeking external support, while the impact of such conditions can deeply affect one’s quality of life across various social and personal dimensions.

Adaptation and Support

When faced with a speech impairment, I find it crucial to seek supportive resources, such as speech therapy, which can mitigate challenges with speech rhythm and volume . I also use communication aids to express myself when traditional speech proves difficult. Developing strategies tailored to different social situations helps me maintain my relationships and facilitates better understanding by others. For instance:

• In noisy environments, I use pen and paper to communicate.
• During one-on-one conversations, I ask my friends and family to be patient and give me time to speak.

These efforts have helped me to adapt to my condition by maximizing my facial muscles’ function and improving speech development.

Impact on Quality of Life

My quality of life is influenced by my speech impairments in profound ways. Socially, I often encounter challenges. Participating in conversations can be a source of anxiety, which may affect my mental health; however, acknowledging these feelings and addressing them directly is vital.

Here’s how speech impairments can affect different aspects of life:

• Social Situations : Reduced participation in group discussions and public speaking engagements.
• Mental Health : Increased risk of social isolation and feelings of frustration, which can lead to anxiety and depression.
• Relationships : Potential strain as communication barriers might lead to misunderstandings or feelings of disconnect with loved ones.
• Understanding : Greater effort is required from both me and my conversation partners to ensure mutual understanding.

Through a combination of personal resilience and support from my social circle, I navigate these challenges daily, striving to lead a fulfilling life despite my speech impairments.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, I cover some of the most common inquiries about slurred speech , including its causes, treatment options, and ways to identify its origins.

What medical conditions can contribute to the onset of slurred speech?

My experience in the medical field has shown me that slurred speech is often associated with neurological disorders such as stroke, brain injury, and degenerative diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). It can also be indicative of issues with muscles controlling speech or side effects of medication.

How can slurred speech be treated or managed?

Treatment largely depends on the underlying cause. If it’s due to a stroke or brain injury, speech therapy is a common approach. Medication adjustments can help if drug side effects are to blame. Lifestyle changes, such as moderation of alcohol intake, might also be effective when slurred speech is related to lifestyle factors.

What are common reasons for the sudden onset of slurred speech in the elderly?

Sudden slurred speech in the elderly may be due to a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). It’s also possible that infections, medication interactions, dehydration , or the exacerbation of existing neurological conditions are responsible.

How can one differentiate between slurred speech due to fatigue and more concerning underlying causes?

Fatigue-related slurred speech typically resolves with rest and is not accompanied by other alarming symptoms. In contrast, slurred speech due to more serious conditions is often persistent and may coexist with other signs such as weakness , confusion , or physical coordination problems.

What should you do if someone experiences a sudden episode of slurred speech and balance difficulties?

If I witness someone having a sudden episode of slurred speech coupled with balance issues, I would consider it a medical emergency. It’s crucial to call emergency services immediately as these symptoms could indicate a stroke or other serious neurological events.

What types of speech impediments could be confused with slurred speech?

Dysarthria (weak or uncontrolled speech muscles) often results in slurred speech, but it shouldn’t be confused with stuttering, which involves frequent repetition of parts of words or long pauses while speaking. Aphasia, characterized by trouble in expressing and understanding language, can sometimes be mistaken for slurred speech as well.

Related Posts

• Gummies for Erectile Dysfunction: Uncovering the Benefits and Science
• Menopause Cold Flashes: Understanding and Managing this Uncommon Symptom
• Stomach Vagus Nerve Massage: Techniques for Digestive Health and Relaxation
• Why Are My Hands Always Cold: Uncovering the Common Causes
• Best Sleep Aid for Adults with Anxiety: Top Solutions for Restful Nights
• Polyphenol Rich Olive Oil: Unveiling Its Health Benefits
• How to Stop Being Gassy at Night: Effective Tips for a Peaceful Sleep
• Does Caffeine Affect Testosterone Levels: Unveiling the Truth

• More from M-W
• To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In

Definition of garbled

Examples of garbled in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'garbled.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

circa 1757, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near garbled

Cite this entry.

“Garbled.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/garbled. Accessed 24 Oct. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on garbled

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for garbled

Nglish: Translation of garbled for Spanish Speakers

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the day.

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to use em dashes (—), en dashes (–) , and hyphens (-), plural and possessive names: a guide, the difference between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.', what's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism', more commonly misspelled words, popular in wordplay, weird words for autumn time, 8 words for lesser-known musical instruments, 10 words from taylor swift songs (merriam's version), 9 superb owl words, 15 words that used to mean something different, games & quizzes.

• Slurred Speech

6 Causes of Slurred Speech

• Most common questions

What is slurred speech?

Slurred speech quiz.

Take a quiz to find out what's causing your slurred speech.

6 most common cause(s)

Slurred speech is when you have trouble speaking, your words are slow or garbled, or your words run together. When you talk, many components of your nervous system work together to form words. When these parts don’t work correctly, your speech can become distorted, or “slurred.” The medical term for slurred speech is dysarthria.

Slurred speech includes problems pronouncing words and regulating the speed or pace of your speech. It can range from a barely noticeable problem to one that’s so severe that others can’t understand what you’re saying.

People often describe slurred speech as feeling like you’re trying to talk with your mouth full of marbles.

Common causes of slurred or slow speech include drinking too much alcohol and not getting enough sleep. In these cases, the slurring will stop once you’re sober again and have gotten rest, respectively.

There are also other causes of slurred speech such as a stroke (a medical emergency), brain tumor, Bell’s palsy, or a serious migraine.

Does slurred speech always need to be treated?

"People often think slurred speech is a minor symptom that does not need a medical evaluation. As our speech and ability to speak is our main form of communication, it is important to look for correctable causes." — Dr. Karen Hoerst

Should I go to the ER for slurred speech?

You should call 911 if:

• Your slurred speech starts suddenly.
• You have other symptoms, such as a sudden or severe headache and weakness or numbness of one side of your body.
• Your tongue, face, or lips are swelling, which could mean you’re having an allergic reaction.

Slurred speech emergency quiz

Take a quiz to find out if your symptoms are an emergency.

Take emergency quiz

1. Stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)

• Slurred speech
• Drooping of one side of the face
• Weakness or trouble controlling one side of the body
• Numbness in the face , arm , or leg
• Difficulty walking
• Sudden loss of vision or double vision
• Sudden, severe headache

A stroke occurs in the brain because the blow flow in a blood vessel is blocked. It can also happen when a blood vessel ruptures or leaks. This affects the blood supply to parts of the brain, which leads long-term damage. If it affects the area of the brain responsible for speech, it can cause slurred speech.

A transient ischemic attack , or TIA, is sometimes called a "mini stroke." A TIA is a temporary interruption of blood flow that causes the same symptoms as a stroke, but improves without any permanent damage to the brain or symptoms.

For example, if you have slurred speech because of a TIA, once the blood flow is restored to that area of the brain, the slurred speech goes away. But people who have a TIA are at a high risk of having a stroke in the future, especially if their risk factors are not treated. Risk factors are the same for stroke and TIA and include smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.

It’s extremely important to call 911 right away if you suddenly have slurred speech. Getting immediate treatment is critical to minimizing permanent damage. Paramedics can begin treating you in the ambulance on the way to the hospital, so it’s better to call 911 than go to the ER yourself.

Treatments for strokes and TIAs include medications to break up blood clots and surgery to remove blood clots from the vessels. If your stroke is from bleeding in the brain, you may need surgery to repair a blood vessel.

Following treatment, your doctor will recommend medications to prevent another TIA or stroke. These typically include drugs that prevent clots from forming in the blood (like aspirin or other blood thinners) and cholesterol medication to prevent plaque from building up on the walls of the blood vessels. You may also need to take medication to control your blood pressure.

Speech therapy is recommended to help treat problems with speech.

It may not be a stroke

"There are so many possible causes of slurred speech. Most of the time we need a detailed history and physical exam to guide the diagnosis and treatment." — Dr. Hoerst

Take symptoms quiz

2. Bell’s palsy

• Drooping of the face
• Drooping of the eye
• Changes in taste or hearing

Bell’s palsy is a relatively common condition that affects the facial nerve, which is responsible for movement of your face.

In Bell’s palsy, the nerve gets inflamed typically because of a recent viral infection. This inflammation can cause the facial nerve to not work as well, leading to drooping and slurred speech.

Bell’s palsy usually improves in a few months, but medications such as steroids and antiviral drugs are typically given to help speed the process. If nerve problems continue, physical therapy is recommended. In rare instances, surgery may be needed to help improve facial muscle function.

3. Brain tumor

• Slurred speech or speech difficulties
• New or changing headaches
• Weakness or coordination and balance problems
• Abnormal vision

A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of cells in the brain. A brain tumor may be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). Both types can cause symptoms including slurred speech.

The diagnosis of a tumor in the brain or spinal cord is based on an exam and imaging of the brain, such as an MRI or CT scan. A biopsy (tissue sample) may be needed to determine what type of tumor it is.

Some tumors, such as a small noncancerous tumor, do not need treatment, though your doctor will recommend periodic MRI scans to make sure it hasn’t changed.

Most larger or cancerous tumors do require treatment, which may consist of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. If you develop physical or cognitive (mental) problems from the tumor, rehabilitation such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy may be needed.

4. Multiple sclerosis

• Blurred vision or decreased vision, typically in one eye
• Weakness or trouble walking
• Numbness or pins-and-needles sensation on your face, arm, or leg (typically on one side)
• A band-like squeezing sensation around the chest or abdomen
• Difficulty focusing

Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a central-nervous system disease that affects the cells of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, a fatty tissue that surrounds nerve fibers (myelin) is attacked. Myelin helps to insulate the electrical signals sent through the nerves. When there is a problem with this fatty tissue, information sent to and from the brain can be disrupted.

MS is most common in young adults between the ages of 20 and 50, according to the National MS Society .

MS is not curable , but treatments have dramatically improved the ability to control MS, so people usually have fewer symptoms and less disability.

Treatment includes medications that may be taken orally or injected or infused through an IV line. Physical therapy and speech therapy are commonly used to help in physical recovery, and medications can be used to treat other symptoms, such as depression, pain, and fatigue.

5. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Difficulty with speech, including slurred speech
• Progressive weakness and difficulty balancing
• Muscle cramps, twitching, and stiffness
• Difficulty swallowing

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It affects nerve cells called motor neurons that control your movement.

The disease primarily causes a loss of strength, impaired swallowing and speech, and in most cases, difficulty breathing because of impaired respiratory muscles. It is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms are mild at first and worsen over time.

Previously, it was thought that ALS doesn’t affect a person’s mental ability. But it’s now known that people with ALS can get a specific type of dementia called frontotemporal dementia (FTD). That condition can affect behavior, mood, and speech.

Symptoms of ALS can develop in adults of any age, but it’s most commonly diagnosed in people who are between the ages of 40 and 70, according to the ALS Association .

While there are some medications that can be used to delay the progression of the disease, there is currently no cure for ALS. Treatment includes rehabilitation with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and respiratory therapy.

6. Migraine

• Sensitivity to light and sound
• Visual disturbances

A migraine causes a severe headache that is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. But some migraines don’t cause head pain.

Other symptoms that involve the nervous system can occur. Some of these sensory symptoms are called “auras.” These distortions can cause visual changes , including flashing lights or distorted vision. People may feel tingling or numbness of their face, arm, or leg.

In some types of migraine, people may even develop slurred speech and weakness of the face, arm, or leg. These are also symptoms of a stroke, so it may be hard to figure out which condition you have. If you develop sudden slurred speech or weakness, go to the ER immediately.

In an acute migraine attack, medications can be used to stop a migraine that has already started, such as triptans or newer medications called CGRP inhibitors. These medications can be in pill form, inhaled form, or injectable medications.

Migraine prevention can include taking medications for blood pressure, anticonvulsants, or even antidepressants. In some instances, Botox treatments are used to prevent migraine.

Behavior and lifestyle changes such as exercise, improved sleep, and healthy diet or weight loss are also often recommended to help decrease the number of migraine headaches you experience.

Other possible causes

Slurred speech may occur from alcohol intoxication or tiredness. It can also be a side effect of medications like high dose pain medications, antipsychotic medications or even some allergy medications like antihistamines. Other causes include:

• Infections such as urinary tract infections or electrolyte imbalances (particularly in elderly people).
• Brain infections such as meningitis or encephalitis.
• Problems that affect your mouth or throat, such as poorly fitting dentures, dental infections, dental numbing medications, swelling in your throat, or muscle or nerve problems.
• An allergic reaction , especially if you notice slurred speech along with tongue swelling , lip swelling, or shortness of breath.

"Early speech therapy can not only help with early improvement but also with diagnosis. Speech-language pathologists have special training in detecting the various types of slurred speech, which helps to determine the possible causes."— Dr. Hoerst

Specialty treatment options

• Speech therapy is the most common treatment for slurred speech.
• Injected medications such as Botox are sometimes used, depending on the cause of slurred speech.
• Medications to improve nerve and muscle function.

While it's important to follow your healthcare provider's guidance, here are some over-the-counter (OTC) options that might provide extra support.

• Proper nutrition supports overall health, including nerve function. Supplements like B vitamins may support neurological health.
• Staying hydrated is key, especially if speech difficulties make it hard to drink. Consider a no-spill, easy-sip water bottle designed for easy grip.
• Engaging in exercises to improve speech clarity can be helpful. Explore speech therapy tools and resources that you can use at home.

Slurred speech treatment quiz

Take a quiz to find out how to treat your symptoms.

Take treatment quiz

Required field

Was this article helpful?

Get expert medical advice with a $29 virtual visit. No insurance needed. Book today.

What Causes Slurred Speech (Dysarthria)?

Coherent speech requires the coordination of a variety of muscle.

These include your:

• Laryngeal muscles
• Intercostal muscles
• Abdominal muscles
• Sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles
• Trapezius muscles
• Suprahyoid muscles
• Infrahyoid muscles
• Pharyngeal muscles
• Soft palate

A deficiency with any one of these muscles can cause a variety of speech and communication related problems.

Slurred speech, also known as dysarthria , is one such example.

We’re District Speech, a DC speech therapy clinic , and we can help you get to the bottom of your speech and language challenges.

Below, we’ve put together a list of dysarthria’s most common causes.

Let’s take a look.

What Is Slurred Speech?

Slurred speech describes slow, garbled, or distorted speech.

Dysarthria is the medical term for this phenomenon.

It may also lead to pronunciation difficulty and irregularities in fluency – the rate at which you speak.

The severity of dysarthria can vary widely.

Some people with dysarthria experience minimal speech deficiencies while others are significantly more affected.

Why Is My Speech Slurred

Dysarthria may occur due to a variety of factors.

Below, we’ll explore the most common causes.

A stroke is a serious medical condition which may cause a variety of speech and language difficulties.

It occurs when the blood flow to your brain is weakened or otherwise disrupted.

Common causes include blood clots, ruptured blood vessels, or even blunt force trauma.

A stroke is a life threatening medical emergency.

It’s currently the fifth leading cause of death in the United States.

Therefore, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with the symptoms of a stroke so that you can recognize the early signs.

Symptoms include:

• Speaking difficulties
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Walking difficulties
• Numbness in your face, arms, or legs
• Vision impairments

RELATED: Stroke Signs And Risks

Strokes commonly cause long term complications, especially with your speech.

Your brain’s left hemisphere manages your speech.

Therefore, speech impairments are more likely in left hemisphere strokes.

Nonetheless, people who experience a stroke on the right side of their brain may also experience speech difficulties.

In addition to dysarthria, common speech impairments associated with strokes include difficulty writing, remembering words, and speaking in full sentences.

Fortunately, speech therapy for stroke recovery can help you regain your speech and language skills following a stroke.

2. Traumatic Brain Injury

At District Speech, we also commonly provide speech therapy for traumatic brain injury .

A traumatic brain injury occurs when your brain experiences some form of physical trauma.

Examples include car accidents, physical assaults, and oxygen deprivation following a near drowning experience.

Symptoms depend on the type, location, and severity of the injury.

They may include:

• Sensitivity to lights, sound, touch, and changes in vision
• Anxiety, depression, and mood swings
• Social communication impairments, such as difficulty recognizing nonverbal communication
• Swallowing impairments, such as coughing and choking
• Headaches, dizziness, and fainting
• Muscle weakness
• Memory and attention impairments

Traumatic brain injuries also commonly cause speech difficulties in children as well as adults, such as dysarthria.

This is especially true in cases where the injury occurs in the nerves that control your muscles.

RELATED: Therapy For Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

3. Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder.

It causes impaired movement, tremors, stiffness, and balance and coordination difficulties.

It occurs when the part of your brain known as the “substantia nigra” declines.

This area of your brain is responsible for dopamine production, which is an essential component for muscle movement and coordination.

A variety of factors play a role in the development of Parkinson’s disease, such as:

• Advanced age
• Genetic predisposition
• History of head injuries
• Environmental toxin exposure, such as rotenone and permethrin

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning symptoms will worsen over time.

• Slow movement
• Body tremors
• Balance difficulties
• Muscle stiffness
• Loss of smell
• Poor posture
• Constipation
• Psychological impairments, such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis
• Memory loss
• Frequent falls
• Walking impairments
• Visual impairments

Parkinson’s disease affects a variety of your body’s muscles, including your facial muscles.

Therefore, it commonly causes dysarthria and other speech problems.

4. Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy describes a spectrum of brain disorders.

They primarily affect your muscle movement and coordination.

Hence, cerebral palsy is considered a motor disability.

Medical professionals categorize cerebral palsy into one of four subtypes: spasticity, ataxia, dyskinesia, and hypotonia.

The type and severity of symptoms depends on the specific subtype.

Speech impairments, such as dysarthria, are a common symptom of all four subtypes.

Other common symptoms include:

• Developmental delays
• Limp or stiff muscles
• Swallowing disorders and drooling
• Intellectual disabilities

Cerebral palsy typically develops before or shortly after birth.

Potential causes include:

• Brain bleeds
• Brain infections, such as meningitis
• Prenatal infections, such as rubella and herpes simplex
• Oxygen loss during delivery
• Brain defects
• Severe childhood jaundice

5. Muscular Dystrophy

Muscular dystrophy is a rare muscle disorder.

It’s a genetic condition caused by gene mutations.

Most importantly, it impairs your body’s protein production.

Without proteins, your body can’t adequately support muscle function and development.

Over time, muscular dystrophy leads to progressive muscle weakness and degeneration, specifically in your arms, legs, head, face, and neck.

In terms of speech, muscular dystrophy can progressively weaken your tongue, lips, soft palate, cheeks, and diaphragm.

Ultimately, it can lead to a variety of speech disorders, including dysarthria.

6. Brain Tumors

A brain tumor is an atypical growth in your brain.

Some brain tumors are benign, or noncancerous, and others are malignant, or cancerous.

Regardless of type, brain tumors cause an increase of pressure inside your skull.

This results in a variety of symptoms, including:

• Cognitive impairments
• Personality changes
• Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
• Dizziness and balance impairments
• Hearing loss

Depending on the location of the tumor, you may also experience dysarthria and other speech difficulties.

Brain tumor speech therapy can help correct some of these issues.

7. Bell’s Palsy

Muscle damage is the primary culprit of Bell’s palsy .

It mostly affects your facial muscles and causes inflammation, swelling, and compression.

As a result, Bell’s palsy can weaken or paralyze your facial muscles.

It occurs following damage to your seventh cranial nerve.

This nerve runs throughout your brain stem, skull, and into your facial muscles.

It sends messages from your brain to your muscles.

Bell’s palsy interrupts this process and can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as dysarthria.

Other symptoms include:

• Facial numbness and loss of feeling
• Stiffness in your facial muscles
• Eye stiffness
• Vocal weakness and mumbling
• Speech articulation difficulties
• Difficulty smiling

Bell’s palsy may occur as a result of a variety of conditions, such as:

• Herpes simplex
• Epstein Barr virus
• Sarcoidosis
• Bacterial and viral infections
• Physical trauma
• Sleep disorders
• Autoimmune disorders, such as Lyme disease

Fortunately, this condition is often temporary and resolves once you treat the underlying issue.

8. ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) , also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a rare degenerative disease.

It affects your brain’s motor neurons as well as your spinal cord.

Specifically, the damaged neurons critically impair your brain’s functions.

Over time, your brain completely stops communicating with the rest of your body.

It impacts your respiratory system, mobility, eating skills, mood, and cognitive function.

It also drastically impairs your speech and language skills.

As your muscles weaken, your larynx stops working and a variety of speech issues can emerge.

• Muscle twitching and cramping
• Hand and feet weakness
• Frequent trips and falls
• Frequently dropping things
• Chronic fatigue
• Uncontrollable laughter or crying

The exact cause of ALS remains unknown.

However, a variety of factors may increase your risk of developing the disorder, such as:

• Being of European descent
• Being assigned male at birth

9. Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition .

It causes social communication difficulties and repetitive patterns of behaviors.

The exact cause of autism spectrum disorder remains unknown; however, experts believe both genetics and environmental factors play important roles.

It’s common for autistic people to have difficulty with motor skills.

In fact, it’s suggested that 87% of autistic people will have some sort of motor skills concern.

That can relate to fine motor skills , gross motor skills , and/or oral motor skills.

If you or your child is autistic and you have slurred speech, it may be caused by oral motor skills deficits.

In this case, both speech therapy and physical therapy for autism can help.

10. Other Possible Causes

Other possible causes for dysarthria include:

• Alcohol intoxication
• Certain medications, such as barbiturates and benzodiazepines
• Extreme emotional distress
• Mouth and throat injuries

What To Do If You Have Slurred Speech

If you suddenly develop dysarthria without any clear cause, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department.

This is especially important if you are also experiencing other stroke symptoms, such as a severe headache or weakness on one side of your body.

Once diagnosed, a speech therapist can help you overcome your dysarthria related speech difficulties.

At District Speech, we can help you discover a variety of exercises aimed at improving your slurred speech.

We can help strengthen your facial muscles and practice correct speech speed and volume.

Book Your Appointment With District Speech Today

Has a doctor recently diagnosed you or a loved one with dysarthria?

Are you interested in hearing more about the numerous ways speech therapy can help?

At District Speech, we welcome any and all questions and look forward to helping you navigate your speech and language difficulties.

Book your appointment with District Speech today and let’s get started on improving your speech.

District Speech and Language Therapy specializes in speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy solutions, for both children and adults, in the Washington D.C and the Arlington Virginia areas.