What is dysarthria?
Dysarthria (pronounced “dis-AR-three-uh”) is a type of motor speech disorder in which it is difficult to form and pronounce words. Motor speech disorders occur when there is any damage to nervous system which prevents to control the part of body which control speech, like tongue, voice box (larynx) and jaw.
Dysarthria can be of two types
Developmental and Acquired
Developmental Dysarthria
This happens due to any brain damage during fetal development inside womb or at the time of birth. For example, cerebral palsy can also cause dysarthria. Child tend to have developmental dysarthria.
Acquired Dysarthria
This happens as a result of any brain damage later on in life. For example, any brain stroke, a brain tumor or Parkinson’s disease can also lead to dysarthria. Adults tend to have acquired dysarthria.
Children with dysarthria can understand language, they know what to say in response but they can’t speak due to muscle weakness.
What are different types of dysarthria?
There are six types of dysarthria. The types of dysarthria are categorized on the basis of specific area of nervous system damaged.
Flaccid Dysarthria
This is results from any damage to the lower motor neurons of nervous system. The lower motor neurons are part of our peripheral nervous system. The person with flaccid dysarthria, speaking may sound nasal and breathy.
Spastic Dysarthria
It results from damage to the part upper neurons either one or on both sides of brain. The upper neurons are part CNS. With this type of dysarthria speaking may sound strained or harsh.
Ataxic Dysarthria
This dysarthria results from damage to the part central nervous system which is called cerebellum. Cerebellum in CNS helps to coordinate muscular movements. Person with this type of dysarthria may have trouble in pronouncing vowels and consonants. Person with this type of dysarthria may have trouble to stress on specific part of speech.
Hypokinetic Dysarthria
This results from damage in basal ganglia of the brain. The basal ganglia is part in brain which controls muscular movements. Hypokinetic dysarthria is related with hypo means slow and rigid-sounding speech.
Hyperkinetic Dysarthria
This is also due to the damage in basal ganglia. It’s associated with hyper means fast often results unpredictable speech.