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Mouth and Throat
Dysarthria may arise from problems with the muscles in the mouth, throat, and respiratory system, as well as other causes.
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Definition
Dysarthria is a speech disorder that affects the muscles of the face, which become weak, move slowly, or do not move. It differs from aphasia , which is a language disorder.
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Causes
This condition can be caused by not being able to control and coordinate the muscles that you use to talk. This can result from:
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Brain trauma
- Infection
- Conditions that paralyze the face or cause weakness, such as Bell’s palsy
- Degenerative brain disease, such as:
- Neuromuscular disease, such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Myasthenia gravis
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Surgery on the tongue
- Weakness of the tongue
- Structural problems such as not wearing your dentures
- Side effects of medications that act on the central nervous system
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Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chance of developing dysarthria include:
- Being at high risk for stroke
- Having a degenerative brain disease
- Having a neuromuscular disease
- Abusing alcohol or drugs
- Being older and having poor health
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.