Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by weakness, slowness, or incoordination of the muscles used for speaking. It results from damage to the brain or nervous system that controls these muscles, rather than from a problem with language understanding or word-finding (which would be aphasia).
People with dysarthria may have slurred, slow, or imprecise speech that is difficult for others to understand. The voice may sound nasal, breathy, or monotone. In mild cases the problem is barely noticeable; in severe cases speech may be unintelligible. The underlying muscle control problem can affect the tongue, lips, jaw, palate, or breathing muscles.
In the context of cardiac arrest, dysarthria may develop as a consequence of hypoxic brain injury if the brain is deprived of oxygen during the arrest. The speech motor areas of the brain, particularly in the cerebellum and brainstem, are vulnerable to this type of injury. Dysarthria may also follow a stroke, which can occur as a complication in some cardiac patients.
Speech and language therapy (SALT) is the main treatment for dysarthria after brain injury. A speech and language therapist can assess the type and severity of the problem and develop a rehabilitation programme. Strategies may include exercises to strengthen and coordinate the speech muscles, speaking more slowly and clearly, and using communication aids where needed. Recovery varies widely, and early specialist referral is important.
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