Slurred Speech Could Be a Warning Sign - Learn What It Means

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Nikitha Reddy

Dysarthria (slurrred speech) is a type of motor-speech disorder where individuals experience difficulty speaking because the muscles used for speech are weak. It can result from conditions that damage the brain or nervous system, as well as certain medications. Speech and language therapy can significantly help improve communication abilities.

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What are the Causes of Dysarthria?

In dysarthria, you may struggle to move the muscles in your face, mouth, or upper airway that control speech. It may be due to chronic neurological conditions or sudden-onset events. Here are some key causes:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Cerebral lesion (brain damage)
Brain tumor
Cerebral palsy
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Head injury
Huntington's disease
Lyme disease
Multiple sclerosis
Muscular dystrophy
Myasthenia gravis
Parkinson's disease
Stroke - one of the most common causes of sudden slurred speech
Wilson's disease
Medications that cause slurred speech, including sedatives and anti-epileptics

Additionally, the causes of slurred speech in elderly individuals often include stroke, Parkinson's disease, dementia, or medication side effects, which may require specific diagnosis and treatment plans.

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Types of Dysarthria (Slurred Speech)

Slurred speech, also known as dysarthria, can occur in various forms depending on the underlying cause. Each type affects speech in a unique way, which helps doctors determine the source of the problem.

Spastic Dysarthria: Speech is slow, strained, and effortful.
Flaccid Dysarthria: Speech sounds weak, nasal, or breathy.
Ataxic Dysarthria: Speech is slurred with irregular rhythm and pitch.
Hypokinetic Dysarthria: Speech is fast, monotone, and low in volume.
Hyperkinetic Dysarthria: Speech is erratic due to involuntary movements.
Mixed Dysarthria: A combination of types, seen in complex neurological conditions.

What Are Symptoms of Slurred Speech?

The hallmark symptom of dysarthria is unclear or difficult-to-understand speech. Additional symptoms may include:

Slow or labored speech
Irregular rhythm or speech pace
Limited movement of the tongue, lips, or jaw
Changes in vocal tone, such as hoarseness or breathiness

What are the Complications of Difficulty Speaking?

Dysarthria can affect daily communication and lead to emotional challenges:

Social difficulties: Problems with verbal expression can affect social interactions and relationships.
Emotional impact: Some people may experience depression or social withdrawal due to communication barriers.

When to See a Doctor?

Slurred speech can signal serious medical issues. Seek medical help immediately if your speech changes suddenly or without explanation, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or confusion.

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How is Dysarthria Diagnosed?

If a doctor suspects dysarthria, they will refer you to a speech-language pathologist. A comprehensive evaluation will include:

Speech and facial muscle assessments
Analysis of vocal quality and breathing

To determine the root cause, additional tests may include:

MRI or CT scan of the brain and head
Lumbar puncture for infection or central nervous system issues
EEG to check brain activity
EMG to test muscle signals
Nerve conduction studies
Blood and urine tests
Neuropsychological tests to assess communication and cognitive functions

What Treatments are Available for Dysarthria?

Treatment depends on the underlying condition, the type of dysarthria, and symptom severity. You may benefit from:

Speech therapy exercises to strengthen facial and oral muscles
Strategies to speak more clearly and slowly
Techniques to control breathing and volume
Assistive speech devices, if necessary

Helpful communication tips include:

Use a smartphone or tablet to type out your message
Gain your listener's attention before speaking
Speak slowly and face the person
Use gestures and facial expressions
Avoid noisy environments when communicating
Choose simple words and short phrases when needed

How Can This Be Prevented?

Though many causes of dysarthria are not preventable, you can reduce your risk by managing health conditions like stroke and neurological diseases. Here's how:

Exercise regularly and stay active
Maintain a healthy weight
Eat more fruits and vegetables
Reduce salt, saturated fats, and cholesterol
Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels
Get treatment for conditions like sleep apnea

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Frequently Asked Questions

Slurred speech or mumbled speech can occur due to muscle weakness, nerve damage, or disruptions in brain signals that control speech production.

Garbled speech indicates difficulty controlling facial, mouth, or respiratory muscles, often due to brain injury or neurological conditions like stroke, affecting normal sound production (dysarthria).

Aphasia is characterized by difficulties in understanding others or expressing thoughts. It doesn't stem from any issues with the functioning of your speaking muscles, unlike dysarthria.

Apraxia is a distinct motor speech condition. In apraxia, individuals have normal muscle function but struggle with voluntary movements, such as speaking. The problem lies in transmitting the message from the brain to the muscles,sem r instructing them to move.

Similar to dysarthria, dysphagia involves difficulties with muscle control. However, while dysarthria affects speech, dysphagia affects swallowing. Dysphagia can sometimes be a symptom of dysarthria.

Individuals at risk of dysarthria include those with neurological conditions such as stroke, brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), or cerebral palsy. People who have tumors affecting the brain or nervous system, or those who experience facial or tongue muscle weakness due to trauma or surgery, are also at risk.

Yes, anxiety can cause temporary slurred speech. During intense anxiety or panic attacks, increased muscle tension and rapid breathing can affect the muscles used for speech. This may result in stammering, slurring, or difficulty forming words clearly.

High blood pressure itself doesn't directly cause slurred speech, but it significantly increases the risk of stroke, which can lead to dysarthria, or slurred speech. A sudden onset of slurred speech with high blood pressure may indicate a medical emergency like a stroke and requires immediate attention.

Yes, severe lack of sleep can affect brain function, leading to cognitive and motor impairments, including slurred speech. Sleep deprivation can slow down the central nervous system, making it harder to coordinate the muscles used in speaking.

Several diseases can cause slurred speech, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, ALS, brain tumors, and Huntington's disease. These conditions can affect the brain regions and nerves that control speech muscles, resulting in dysarthria.