Any questions?
Use this space to note any questions you may have for your Speech and Language Therapist
Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS):
' 0118 982 2829
6 0118 982 2905
Email:
Write to: Berkshire West PALS,
57-59 Bath Road, Reading RG30 2BA
Leaflet updated August 2008
H:\Acute & Comm Leaflets 2.2.1
If you have any questions about what you have read in this leaflet, please contact your Speech and Language Therapist:
……………………………………
Speech and Language Therapy Department
Royal Berkshire Hospital
West Drive Buildings, 1st Floor
London Road
Reading RG1 5AN
Tel: 0118 322 5205
Other Speech and Language Therapy Departments in your area:
Community Speech and Language Therapy, University of Reading
Tel: 0118 378 4691
West Berkshire Community Hospital, Thatcham
Tel: 01635 273422
Wokingham Hospital
Tel: 0118 949 5150
Speech and Language Therapy Department
Dysarthria
Information and advice for people experiencing speech difficulties
What is dysarthria?
Dysarthria is a speech disorder caused by weakness or paralysis of the oral muscles: the jaw, lips, tongue, and palate (the "roof of your mouth").
Dysarthria happens because some of the nerves involved in speaking and/or breathing are damaged.
Dysarthria may be:
- present from birth, e.g. cerebral palsy;
- acquired suddenly, e.g. stroke, head injury;
- a feature of degenerative disease, e.g. Parkinson’s Disease, MS.
What does dysarthria sound like?
This varies depending on the cause. Common features include:
· slurred speech: reduced clarity;
· speech may be too fast or slow;
· change in voice quality: low in pitch, hoarse, quiet, breathy, nasal or strained;
· reduced naturalness: lack of rhythm or intonation;
· unco-ordinated speech/ breathing.
Will my dysarthria improve?
In most cases some degree of improvement can be made. This depends on the cause and severity of the dysarthria.
How can a Speech and Language Therapist help me?
· Assessment and personalised treatment and therapy.
· Oral-motor exercises for breath control, clarity of speech and strength and co-ordination of muscles.
· Reassurance and confidence-building.
· Practical advice for improved communication in everyday, work and social situations.
· Techniques to support speech e.g. gesture, writing, drawing.
· Specialist assessment for electronic communication aids in severe cases.
· Advice/support for friends and family.
Tips for successful communication with a person who has dysarthria
· Minimise background noise and distractions: e.g. turn off the TV.
· Look at the person’s lips/face for additional clues.
· Encourage the person to take deep breaths, slow their speech right down and exaggerate sounds.
· Encourage short sentences and frequent pauses for breath.
· Encourage emphasis of the most important words.
· Keep a notepad and pen handy for writing difficult words or encourage pointing, drawing etc.
· Be patient. Allow the person plenty of time to speak/respond.
· Check that you have understood by feeding back what you think has been said.
· Ask whether the person minds if you help by guessing or finishing off words for them. They may prefer to keep trying themselves.
· Be honest and let the person know when you have not understood them so that they can monitor the clarity of their speech.