Speech impairment (adult)

Definition

• Dysarthria is difficult, poorly articulated speech, such as slurring.
• Aphasia is impaired expression or comprehension of written or spoken language.

Alternative Names

Considerations

DYSARTHRIA

Dysarthria is generally apparent in daily conversation where there is difficulty expressing certain sounds or words. This condition may be caused by taking excess medications such as narcotics, phenytoin, or carbamazepine. Alcohol intoxication causes dysarthria.

Degenerative neurological disorders affecting the cerebellum or brainstem can also cause dysarthria. Stroke that affects brainstem or cerebellar regions can also cause dysarthria. Any facial weakness, such as Bell's palsy or tongue weakness, can cause dysarthria.

APHASIA

Aphasia is loss of communication skills previously learned and commonly occurs following strokes or in people with brain tumors or degenerative diseases that affect the language areas of the brain. This term does not apply to children who have never developed communication skills.

In some cases of aphasia, the problem eventually resolves itself, but in others the condition is irreversible.

Causes

• Poorly fitting dentures
• Alcohol intoxication
• Any degenerative neurological disorder
• Stroke

• Head trauma
• Alzheimer's disease
• Stroke
• Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
• Brain tumor