Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by weakness, paralysis, or lack of coordination in the muscles used for speaking. People with dysarthria often have slurred or slow speech that is difficult to understand, even though their understanding of language and ability to form thoughts remains intact. The condition can affect the lips, tongue, vocal cords, and diaphragm, leading to unclear or strained speech.
Dysarthria can develop suddenly or gradually. In some cases, it results from a stroke or brain injury, while in others it may be a symptom of a progressive neurological disorder. The severity and type of this condition depend on which parts of the brain or nervous system are affected. While some people experience only mild speech changes, others may lose their ability to speak altogether.
Unlike other speech disorders, dysarthria is not related to problems in language processing or cognitive function. This means people with the condition often know exactly what they want to say, but struggle to produce speech clearly. This can lead to frustration and social withdrawal, especially when listeners misinterpret their speech or assume cognitive impairment.
Dysarthria
In South Africa, stroke and traumatic brain injury are among the most common causes of dysarthria, particularly in areas where hypertension, diabetes, and road accidents are prevalent. Limited access to speech therapy services—especially in rural clinics—can delay treatment and increase communication difficulties for patients.
Globally, dysarthria is recognised as a significant barrier to communication and inclusion. With the right therapy and support, many individuals improve their speech or learn to communicate more effectively through alternative methods such as writing, gesture, or communication devices.
Understanding and recognising dysarthria is key to early intervention and support. It is not simply “slurred speech” but a medical condition requiring professional diagnosis and tailored therapy.
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