What is Dysarthria?

What is dysarthria?

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs when the muscles used for speaking are weakened or impaired by neurological damage or disease. It can affect speech clarity, volume, rate, and voice quality. A Speech-Language Pathologist can assess and support people with dysarthria to improve their communication.

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that occurs when the muscles involved in speech production are weakened or impaired. The tongue, vocal folds (cords), and other surrounding muscles are all involved, and when they are affected it changes how a person speaks. Dysarthria can result in slurred or slowed speech, or difficulties with the volume or pitch of the voice.

What Causes Dysarthria?

Dysarthria is caused by damage to or changes in the nervous system that affect the muscles responsible for speech. Common causes include:

Stroke: one of the most common causes of acquired dysarthria in adults
Traumatic brain injury (TBI): including concussion or accident-related brain damage
Parkinson’s disease: often causes a soft, monotone voice and reduced clarity
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis): progressive muscle involvement that can affect speech
Multiple sclerosis (MS): can affect the neural pathways that control speech muscles
Cerebral palsy: a common cause of dysarthria across the lifespan
Brain tumors or other degenerative neurological conditions

Dysarthria is different from apraxia of speech, which is a motor planning disorder rather than a problem with muscle strength or coordination. An SLP assessment can help clarify which condition is present and what approach makes sense.

What Are the Signs of Dysarthria?

Dysarthria can range from mild to severe. Common signs include:

Slurred or mumbled speech that is difficult to understand
Speaking too softly or too loudly
An unusually slow or rapid speaking rate
A flat or monotone voice quality
Breathiness, hoarseness, or a strained vocal quality
Difficulty with the rhythm or flow of speech
Drooling or difficulty chewing and swallowing

These signs can appear gradually, as with a degenerative condition, or suddenly, as after a stroke or brain injury. If you notice these changes in yourself or someone you care for, a conversation with a Speech-Language Pathologist is a good first step.

How a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help

A Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) specializes in assessing and supporting people with motor speech disorders, including dysarthria. You can learn more about our adult speech therapy services at Arbutus Speech Therapy. Treatment plans are individualized based on each person’s specific needs, goals, and the underlying cause.

A typical assessment looks at oral motor function, voice quality, speech clarity, rate, and overall communication. Treatment may include:

Breath support and voice exercises: Building better control over volume and pitch
Articulation strategies: Techniques to produce clearer, more distinct sounds
Rate and pacing work: Slowing or pacing speech so it is easier to follow
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC): For more severe dysarthria, tools like speech-generating devices, communication apps, or picture boards can support independent communication

SLPs also work on broader communication strategies, such as how to initiate conversations, adapt to different settings, and communicate effectively while living with dysarthria. Dysarthria is often a chronic condition, and support may be ongoing, though many people make meaningful progress with the right help.

When to see a Speech-Language Pathologist

Consider reaching out to an SLP if you or someone you care for:

Has had a stroke, brain injury, or a neurological diagnosis such as Parkinson’s, ALS, or MS
Has noticed changes in speech clarity, volume, or voice quality
Is frequently asked to repeat themselves
Finds that communicating is becoming more effortful or fatiguing

A free phone consultation is a low-pressure way to ask questions and find out whether an SLP assessment makes sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dysarthria and apraxia of speech?

Both are motor speech disorders, but they have different causes. Dysarthria results from weakness or impaired coordination in the muscles that produce speech. Apraxia of speech is a motor planning disorder, where the muscles may be intact but the brain has difficulty coordinating the movements needed. An SLP assessment can identify which condition is present and the right approach for each.

Can speech therapy help with dysarthria?

Many people with dysarthria make meaningful gains with speech therapy, particularly when support begins early. An SLP works on breath control, articulation, voice quality, speaking rate, and communication strategies. For people with more severe dysarthria, AAC tools can also support independent communication. Progress varies depending on the underlying cause and severity.

Does Arbutus Speech Therapy offer services for adults with dysarthria in Vancouver?

Yes. Our Speech-Language Pathologists work with adults experiencing dysarthria related to stroke, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, ALS, and other neurological conditions. Sessions are available in-home, in the community, and via teletherapy across BC. A free phone consultation is a good starting point to discuss your situation and what support might look like.

Ready to take the next step?

Our Speech-Language Pathologists work with adults living with dysarthria across Vancouver and BC. A free phone consultation is a low-pressure way to ask questions and talk through what support might look like.

Book a free phone consultation