Dysarthria, in its simplest terms, refers to a group of speech disorders that occur due to muscle weakness. This condition can result from various neurological disorders or injuries which affect the muscles responsible for speech. They impair the physical production of speech, making it slurred, slow or difficult to articulate clearly. Anyone can be susceptible to dysarthria, particularly those who have suffered from a stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Dysarthria doctors at Apollo Hospitals are well-equipped to diagnose and manage this condition.

Apollo Hospitals in Delhi have the best dysarthria doctors who offer comprehensive care. To diagnose this condition accurately, our dysarthria specialists administer various tests and then treat it accordingly.

Types of Dysarthria

According to our best dysarthria specialists, there are several types of dysarthria with distinct characteristics:

• Flaccid Dysarthria: Characterised by weak and floppy speech muscles.

• Spastic Dysarthria: Occurs due to stiff and rigid speech muscles.

• Ataxic Dysarthria: Resulting from poor coordination of speech muscles.

• Hypokinetic Dysarthria: Characterised by limited movement of speech muscles.

• Hyperkinetic Dysarthria: Occurs due to uncontrolled or unwanted movements of speech muscles.

• Unilateral Upper Motor Neuron Dysarthria: Seen when one side of the body is affected by muscle weakness.

Symptoms of Dysarthria

Specialists For dysarthria say that its symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity, but all types share common features:

• Difficulty articulating words.

• Slurred or slow speech.

• Strained or breathy voice.

• Changes in voice quality.

• Problems with rhythm and pitch of speech.

Tests to Diagnose Dysarthria

Its diagnosis at Apollo Hospitals begins with a comprehensive evaluation by our best specialists for dysarthria:

• Physical Examination: To check muscle strength and movement.

• Speech Assessment: To evaluate clarity, volume, speed, and pitch of speech.

• Neurological Examination: To identify any underlying neurological disorders.

• Imaging Tests: Including MRI or CT scans to examine brain structures.

• Laryngoscopy: To visualise the vocal cords and larynx.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals in Delhi

Apollo Hospitals in Delhi provide a range of treatment options for managing dysarthria under the care of the best speech disorder doctors:

• Speech Therapy: Helps improve articulation and speech rate through various exercises.

• Medication: Can aid in managing underlying conditions causing dysarthria.

• Assistive Devices: Such as amplifiers or electronic communication aids for severe cases.

• Surgery: Procedures like muscle injections can help manage some types of dysarthria.

• Psychosocial Support: Counseling sessions to help patients cope with emotional aspects of the disorder.