Do you know what flaccid dysarthria is? Moreover, do you know the symptoms of flaccid dysarthria?
This article is written as the fourth part of types of dysarthria series with focus on the information about flaccid dysarthria.
Positively, you will derive valuable information about flaccid dysarthria from this article.
We wish you a very happy learning!
Types of Dysarthria: Flaccid Dysarthria
There are several types of dysarthria and it would not be easy to recognize each one of them. Therefore, you should consult with a speech pathologist when you feel your family member or your loved ones suffer from dysarthria.
However, in case you see someone with the following symptoms, probably he or she is suffer from flaccid dysarthria.
- Lower motor neuron damage to the sufferer’s nerve. This damage emerge from the cranial (brain stem) or spinal cord. Then, it affects directly to muscles used in speech production
- Trouble with jaw, cheek and forehead, especially when chewing
- Muscle disorder in the eyes, mouth, lips and cheeks
- Difficulties while swallowing
- Trouble in uvula, phonation and soft palate
- Tongue protrusion and lateralization
- There is a possibility of involvement of nerves to diaphragm and thoracic spinal nerves which stimulate both abdominal and chest muscles
- Tongue fasciculation at rest
- Slow-labored speech rate
- Breathy vocal quality
- Hoarse
- Hyper-nasal voice
- Articulation imprecision
- Twitch-like behaviors or fasciculation
- Shrinkage of muscle tissue or atrophy
- Limited reflex behaviors
- Depressed tactile feedback
- Reduced speed of movement
- Weakness
- Paralysis
From the points above, we can read about how to determine dysarthria. These are the factors to be considered:
- Coordination of breathing, speaking and breath support
- Vocal quality
- Coordination, movement, strength and symmetry of the muscles used for speech
- Precision of speech
Kindly remember to consult with a speech pathologist in order to have a better explanation about dysarthria.
In the next article, we will provide you with information about mixed dysarthrias.
