Dysarthria can occur after stroke due to weakness or paralysis in the muscles controlling mouth and facial movements or the respiratory system. Symptoms may include slurred speech, abnormal rate of speech (slow or fast), speaking softly, impaired pitch, impaired rhythm of speech, impaired quality of speech, drooling, and decreased mouth movements. Speech impairment can make it difficult to communicate effectively and may affect interaction with family and friends, especially in social situations.
Treatment techniques for dysarthric patients may aim at slowing the rate of speech, improving breath support to increase volume of speech, strengthening face and mouth musculature, improving mouth/tongue movement, teaching adaptive strategies, and using alternative means of communication such as alphabet boards or computer devices.
A speech language pathologist (SLP) can help a stroke victim overcome speech difficulties or learn to use alternative methods of communication if needed. Some of the techniques used by speech therapists for dysarthria treatment include:
These are just a few muscle strengthening exercises used. Consult with a speech therapist for appropriate exercise for your situation.
These are some of the articulation exercises one may encounter during therapy for dysarthria:
Prosody refers to the way changes in the voice are used to communicate. Examples of prosody include higher or lower pitch, stress on certain words, speed, volume of speech, and making speech sound like a rhythm. Prosody helps reflect emotion and show meaning in what we say. Some examples of prosody exercises include
Breathing exercises that SLPs may use include diaphragmatic breathing, segmental breathing, prolonged exhalation, and breath support exercises during speech to name a few. Since each stroke patient will have different respiratory capacities and precautions, it is best to consult with a SLP to determine which exercises are appropriate.
One can search for a speech language pathologist also frequently referred to as a speech therapist at the following link:
Stroke patients with slurred speech can try the following techniques to improve communication with others:
Caregivers can use the following techniques to help them better understand the stroke patient with impaired articulation:
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