Dysarthria (from New Latin dys-, prefix meaning 'mis-', 'dis-', 'accidental' + Greek -arthro, joint) is a speech disorder resulting from neurological injury. Any of the speech subsystems (respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation) can be affected.

The speech is due to some disorder in the nervous system, which in turn hinders control over for example tongue, throat, lips or lungs. Swallowing problems, dysphagia, are often present.

Cranial nerves that control these muscles include the facial nerve (VII), the glossophyaryngeal nerve (IX), the vagus nerve (X), and the hypoglossal nerve (XII).

The reasons behind dysarthria can be many; among the diseases are ALS, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral palsy. Dysarthria can also be an early symptom of stroke. More common causes are intoxication and anesthesia, although these are transient.

The articulation problems that dysarthria causes can be treated together with a speech therapist by strengthening the speech musculature. Devices that make coping with dysarthria easier include speech synthesis software and text-based telephones.

References: Haines, Duane. Neuroanatomy: an atlas of structures, sections, and systems. 6th edition.

Disability | Neurological disorders | Communication_disorders

Dysarthrie | Dysarthrie | Dysartri | Dyzartria | Dizartri