Best Dysarthria Doctors in Mumbai

Dysarthria is a condition that affects one's ability to articulate words clearly, due to damage or injury to the parts of the brain or the nerves responsible for speech. It can be caused by various conditions such as stroke, head injuries, tumours or degenerative diseases like Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. While the severity and outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances, doctors for speech pathology treatment or speech-language pathologists can provide invaluable support and treatment options to help improve the condition.

In the vibrant city of Mumbai, with its diverse population, diseases such as dysarthria are not uncommon. However, one may not worry as the city boasts of some of the best specialists for dysarthria treatment who have extensive experience in dealing with this condition. Apollo Hospitals Mumbai, in particular, is home to a team of highly trained speech pathology doctors capable of providing top-notch care for those suffering from dysarthria.

Types/Stages of Dysarthria

Dysarthria can present itself in various forms depending on the part of the nervous system that has been affected:

• Flaccid Dysarthria: This is caused by damage to the nerves that control the muscles used for speech.

• Spastic Dysarthria: This is caused by damage to motor pathways and it leads to stiff and tight speech muscles.

• Ataxic Dysarthria: This occurs due to damage to the cerebellum and results in uncoordinated speech.

• Hypokinetic Dysarthria: This type is commonly seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease and it is characterised by slow and reduced movement of speech muscles.

• Hyperkinetic Dysarthria: This is the result of basal ganglia dysfunction, leading to involuntary movement of speech muscles.

Symptoms of Dysarthria

Identifying symptoms early plays a crucial role in managing dysarthria optimally. Common symptoms of dysarthria include:

• Slurred or slow speech

• Soft or whispery voice

• Rapid, mumbled speech

• Inconsistent speech volume

• Nasal, raspy, or strained voice

Tests to Diagnose Dysarthria

To diagnose effectively, specialists for dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai may use the following methods:

• Physical and Neurological Exam: This helps the doctor treating dysarthria to identify any visible physical abnormalities affecting speech.

• Speech Assessment: It evaluates the patient’s ability to use speech muscles effectively.

• Blood tests: These can help identify underlying conditions causing dysarthria.

• Imaging Tests: Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography scans can provide detailed images of the brain and enable the healthcare professional to identify areas of damage.

• Laryngoscopy: This test visualises the throat and vocal cords to understand their functioning.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Dysarthria at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai

The dysarthria specialists at Apollo Hospitals Mumbai offer comprehensive treatment options for their patients which include:

• Speech Therapy: Through regular sessions, a therapist can help improve pronunciation and breath support for speech.

• Medications: Certain medications that are used to manage underlying conditions causing dysarthria may be prescribed.

• Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC): Devices such as speech-generating devices or applications that can aid communication may be suggested.

• Surgery: In certain cases, surgeries might be considered to manage symptoms or treat underlying causes of dysarthria.