Best Dysarthria Doctors in Lucknow

Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused due to muscle weakness or control impairment. Its onset could be a result of a neurological ailment, stroke, brain injuries, brain tumours or degenerative nerve diseases. Patients with dysarthria often struggle with pronouncing words clearly due to disrupted muscular control leading to slurred or slow speech. The condition does not impair a person's intelligence or understanding, but it does make communication difficult.

Dysarthria which is not confined to any demographic or lifestyle factor is not an uncommon condition among the people of Lucknow. However the residents of the city are fortunate to have access to the services provided by the specialists for dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow. Apollo Hospitals Lucknow is home to some of the best dysarthria specialists and speech pathology doctors who are well-versed in handling such types of speech disorder.

Types/Stages of Dysarthria

Dysarthria can be categorised into different types based on the specific nature and location of the neurological damage:

• Flaccid Dysarthria: This is caused by damage to the lower motor neurons resulting in weak and reduced muscle tone.

• Spastic Dysarthria: This results from damage to upper motor neurons leading to stiff and slow movements.

• Ataxic Dysarthria: This is caused by damage to the cerebellum thereby affecting coordination. It results in irregular speech rhythm.

• Hypokinetic Dysarthria: This results from damage to the basal ganglia and leads to restricted movement and monotonous speech.

• Hyperkinetic Dysarthria: This is caused due to dysfunction of basal ganglia and is characterised by involuntary movements.

• Mixed Dysarthria: A combination of two or more types of dysarthria is referred to as mixed dysarthria.

  Symptoms of Dysarthria

Dysarthria manifests differently among individuals. Some common symptoms include:

• Speech that is slurred or slow.

• Struggling to move the tongue or facial muscles.

• Speaking softly or whispering.

• Speech that sounds monotonous or lacks inflection.

Tests to Diagnose Dysarthria

The specialists for dysarthria suggest several tests to diagnose the condition effectively. Some of them are:

• Speech and Language Evaluation: To asses speech clarity, voice quality and language skills.

• Physical Examination: To check the strength and movement of speech muscles.

• Imaging Tests: Like MRI or CT scans to assess brain and nerve health.

• Nerve Conduction Studies: To measure the speed of nerve signal transmission.

• Electromyography (EMG): To record electrical activity in the speech muscles.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow

The doctors for dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals Lucknow offer comprehensive dysarthria treatment plans including:

• Speech Therapy: To improve articulation and speech rate and teach strategies for clearer speech.

• Medication: To manage underlying conditions causing dysarthria, such as Parkinson's disease.

• Assistive Devices: Like amplifiers or speech synthesis devices may be recommended for severe cases.

• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be suggested to improve the functioning of the speech muscles.

• Supportive Care: Including counselling and support groups to help patients cope with communication difficulties.