Dysarthria
Dysarthria is a neurologically based speech disorder caused by damage to the nervous system. Breathing, voice production, articulation and speech rhythm are all affected. With targeted therapy, intelligibility and communication ability can be significantly improved.
What is dysarthria?
In dysarthria, the motor control of the speech musculature is impaired. Unlike aphasia, the language system itself (grammar, vocabulary, comprehension) is not affected – people with dysarthria know what they want to say, but can no longer articulate it clearly.
Dysarthria involves disorders in one or more speech components: breathing, phonation (voice production), resonance, articulation and prosody (melody, rhythm, stress).
Causes and common conditions
- Parkinson's disease – often hypophonic dysarthria (quiet, monotone voice)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) – often articulatory imprecision and voice changes
- Stroke or traumatic brain injury
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Brain tumours or brain surgery
- Cerebral palsy (infantile cerebral paresis)
- Heredoataxic conditions (e.g. Friedreich's ataxia)
Effects on speech
Depending on the location and extent of the damage, different speech changes occur:
- Unclear or slurred articulation
- Quiet, breathy or hoarse voice
- Monotone speech melody, absent stress
- Slowed or rushed speaking rate
- Hypernasality (speaking through the nose)
- Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) frequently accompanying
Our approach
Dysarthria therapy is always individual and adapted to the underlying condition. For progressive conditions such as ALS or Parkinson's, the initial focus is on maintaining communication ability – and, when needed, on early introduction of AAC.
We work on all affected speech components: breath support, voice strength, articulatory precision and speaking rate.
Therapy process
- 1Dysarthria assessment: intelligibility, speech components, spontaneous speech
- 2Coordination with treating neurologist or specialist
- 3Therapy plan: breathing, voice, articulation, speaking rate
- 4Regular sessions – intensity based on condition and progression
- 5Family counselling: communication strategies in everyday life
- 6AAC preparation for progressive conditions
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between dysarthria and aphasia?
In aphasia, the language system itself is impaired – word finding, grammar, comprehension. In dysarthria, the language system is intact, but motor control of speech is impaired. Both can occur simultaneously, e.g. after a stroke.
Can dysarthria in Parkinson's disease be treated?
Yes – intensive, evidence-based training programmes specifically developed for people with Parkinson's, which focus on louder speech as the primary training stimulus, show good long-term results for voice strength and intelligibility.
My father has ALS and is becoming increasingly hard to understand – what can we do?
For progressive conditions we recommend starting speech therapy early and, in parallel, getting to know AAC tools – before intelligibility deteriorates significantly. Early provision allows for more self-determined communication.
How often should dysarthria therapy take place?
This depends on the condition and its progression. An individual therapy frequency is worked out and agreed upon jointly, taking into account the diagnosis, severity and progress.
Ready for the next step?
Book your first appointment online or get in touch with our practice in Erding.