Dysarthria

What is dysarthria?

Dysarthria is the term used to describe speech difficulties that are caused by damage or weakness of the muscles needed for speech.

What are the common signs?

• Slurred speech
• Slow or fast speech
• Loud or quiet speech
• Reduced tongue, lip and jaw movement
• Changes in quality of voice
• Drooling or poor control of saliva

What causes dysarthria?

Dysarthria may occur for a number of different reasons. Please speak to your speech and language therapist or doctor about the possible causes of your difficulties.

How can speech and language therapy help?

Speech and language therapists assess and help with speech disorders. This will include:

• Give therapy and advice to help maximise speech and communication.
• Offer support and understanding of communication difficulties.

How can you help?

• Allow plenty of time to speak.
• Be aware that speaking when tired may be more difficult.
• Use writing, drawing and/or gesture to support communication.
• Recap – make sure you have understood each other.

Useful websites

My Stroke Guide – Dysarthria: difficulty with speaking (video) (opens in a new tab)

Headway – the brain injury association (opens in a new tab)

Contact details

Your speech therapist is: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .