HealthInfo Aoraki South Canterbury
Dysarthria
Ngā raru kōrero
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder. When you have dysarthria, you know what you want to say, but the muscles you use to speak are weak and may be uncoordinated.
Causes of dysarthria
Dysarthria is caused by a brain event or condition. This may be a stroke or a progressive neurological condition like Parkinson disease that leads to one or more of:
- damage to the speech areas of the brain
- problems affecting the nerves that supply the speech muscles
- problems affecting the muscles themselves.
Whether dysarthria is permanent depends on what causes it. A lot can change over the first few days, weeks and months.
Dysarthria often improves as time passes. Some people recover very quickly, but for others it may take longer. Many people get used to it and see signs of progress even years later.
For other people, it gets worse over time. This is especially so if the dysarthria is caused by a progressive neurological condition. It is important to get support early so you can keep communicating effectively.
Symptoms of dysarthria
If you have dysarthria, your speech may sound:
- slurred or unclear
- too fast or too slow
- too quiet or too loud
- laboured or "out of breath".
Your voice may sound:
- breathy or weak
- hoarse or strained
- lower or higher in pitch.
Communicating when you have dysarthria
- Reduce any background noise. For example, turn off the TV.
- Move closer and face your listener.
- Take a large breath before you speak.
- Keep it simple – use short phrases.
- Pause often for a breath.
- Watch your listener to see if they understand.
- Make sure you are well rested – this will make speaking easier.
- Use other ways to communicate such as writing, texting or text to speech apps.
Some of the following strategies may be useful. Ask your speech language therapist which ones will help you.
Make sure you get the listener's attention. Speak face to face. Try saying their name.
Concentrate on saying one word at a time.
Speak slowly.
Speak loudly ("think loud").
Exaggerate the sounds in each word.
Use gesture, pointing or writing.
Use your communication chart or device.
If you have not been understood, repeat the word or phrase, rephrase what you are trying to say using key words or write the word or phrase.
Getting help with dysarthria
A speech language therapist will work with you and your whānau (family). They will help you improve your speech and if necessary, develop new ways to communicate effectively.
You may also be interested in the page about Apraxia of speech.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Parkinson's New Zealand
Advice and support for New Zealanders living with Parkinson's, their whānau and carers.
- Stroke Foundation
Help and support for people affected by stroke and their whānau.
On the next page: Helping someone with dysarthria communicate
Written by speech-language therapists, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2023.
SourcesReview key: HISCD-79694
