Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by muscle weakness or difficulty controlling the muscles involved in speaking. The condition can result from a variety of causes, such as stroke, brain injuries, tumours, certain medications, or conditions like Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. It manifests in slurred or slow speech that can be hard to understand. Certain factors increase the predisposition to this condition, including age and neurological conditions.

Bangalore's rapid urbanisation and associated lifestyle changes have led to an increase in neurological conditions like stroke, thereby increasing cases of Dysarthria. However, Dysarthria doctors in Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore are experienced and well-equipped to manage this condition proficiently.

Types of Dysarthria

According to some of the best dysarthria doctors, several types of dysarthria exist, each with distinct characteristics:

• Flaccid Dysarthria: Results from damage to the lower motor neurons or peripheral nerves leading to weak and floppy muscles.

• Spastic Dysarthria: Caused by damage to the upper motor neurons resulting in tight and stiff muscles.

• Ataxic Dysarthria: Due to cerebellum damage causing uncoordinated movements and reduced muscle tone.

• Hypokinetic Dysarthria: Associated with movement disorders like Parkinson's disease.

• Hyperkinetic Dysarthria: Linked with involuntary movements such as tics.

• Mixed Dysarthria: In this case, more than one type of Dysarthria coexists.

Symptoms of Dysarthria

The symptoms of this condition may vary depending on the underlying cause but often include:

• Slurred speech

• Slow or rapid speech

• Nasal, raspy or strained voice

• Uneven speech volume

• Difficulty with tongue and lip movement

Tests to Diagnose Dysarthria

At Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore our dysarthria specialists conduct a series of tests to diagnose the problem:

• Physical Examination: Our best dysarthria specialists might check muscle strength and reflexes.

• Speech Assessment: A speech-language pathologist may evaluate the patient's speech.

• Imaging Tests: MRIs or CT scans can help identify any damage or abnormalities in the brain.

• Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the electrical activity of the muscles.

• Laryngoscopy: It checks vocal cord function.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals in Bangalore

At Apollo Hospitals Bangalore, our best speech disorder doctors use a multidisciplinary approach to treat Dysarthria. Some of the treatment options include:

• Speech Therapy: It involves working with a speech-language pathologist to improve articulation and speech.

• Medication: Depending on the underlying cause of the condition, drugs like cholinesterase inhibitors, steroids can be used to manage symptoms related to the underlying cause.

• Lifestyle Changes: Suggestions might include speaking slowly, using gestures, or utilising communication devices.

• Surgery: In certain cases, surgical intervention may be required to address structural problems causing Dysarthria.