Speech impairment (adult)
Multimedia
Definition
Speech and language impairment may be any of several problems that make it difficult to communicate.
See also:
Alternative Names
Language impairment; Impairment of speech; Inability to speak; Aphasia; Dysarthria; Slurred speech; Dysphonia voice disorders
Considerations
Common speech and language disorders include:
APHASIA
Aphasia is loss of the ability to understand or express spoken or written language. It commonly occurs following strokes or traumatic brain injuries, or in people with brain tumors or degenerative diseases that affect the language areas of the brain. This term does not apply to children who have never developed communication skills. There are many different types of aphasia.
In some cases of aphasia, the problem eventually corrects itself, but in others the condition is irreversible.
DYSARTHRIA
In dysarthria, the person has ongoing difficulty expressing certain sounds or words. They have poorly pronounced speech (such as slurring) and the rhythm or speed of speech is changed. Usually, a nerve or brain disorder has made it difficult to control the larynx and vocal cords, which make speech.
Dysarthria, which is a difficulty pronouncing words, is sometimes confused with aphasia, which is a difficulty producing language. They have different causes.
People with dysarthria may also have problems swallowing.
VOICE DISTURBANCES
Anything that changes the shape of the vocal cords or the way they work will cause a voice disturbance. Lump-like growths such as nodules, polyps, cysts, papillomas, granulomas, and cancers can be to blame. These changes cause the voice to sound different from the way it normally sounds.
DYSPHONIA is another type of speech impairment. For information, see the article on spasmodic dysphonia.
Common Causes
Some of these disorders develop gradually, but anyone can develop a speech and language impairment suddenly, usually in a trauma.
APHASIA
- Alzheimer's disease
- Brain tumor (more common in aphasia than dysarthria)
- Dementia
- Head trauma
- Stroke
- Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
DYSARTHRIA
VOICE DISTURBANCES
Growths or nodules on the vocal cords
People who use their voice heavily (teachers, coaches, vocal performers) are more likely to develop voice disorders
References
Swanberg MM, Nasreddine ZS, Mendez MF, Cummings JL. Speech and language. In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 6.
Review Date: 4/23/2008
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology and Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Language impairment; Impairment of speech; Inability to speak; Aphasia; Dysarthria; Slurred speech; Dysphonia voice disorders
Home Care
For dysarthria, speaking slowly and using hand gestures are recommended. Family and friends need to provide plenty of time for those with the disorder to express themselves. Stop the use of medications that are causing the problem, if possible. Minimize the use of alcohol.
For aphasia, family members may need to provide frequent orientation reminders, such as the day of the week. Disorientation and confusion often occur with aphasia. Often, people assume that patients with aphasia are incompetent. But patients and caregivers can sometimes learn nonverbal ways of communicating.
Recognition and treatment of depression is also important for people with severe speech and language disorders.
It's important to maintain a relaxed, calm environment and keep external stimuli to a minimum.
Speak in a normal tone of voice (this condition is not a hearing or emotional problem).
Use simple phrases to avoid misunderstandings.
Don't assume that the affected person understands.
Provide communication aids, if possible, depending on the person and condition.
Frustration, profanity, and depression are typical responses in people with aphasia.
Call your health care provider if
Contact your health care provider if:
- Impairment or loss of communication comes on suddenly
- There is any unexplained impairment of speech or written language
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Unless the problems have developed after an emergency event, the health care provider will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. The medical history may require the assistance of family or friends.
Medical history questions documenting speech impairment may include the following:
- When did it develop?
- Did it develop suddenly?
- Is there a problem with clearly pronouncing words (dysarthria)?
- Is there a problem understanding speech?
- Is there a problem expressing thoughts through speech?
- Is there a problem understanding writing?
- Is there a problem expressing thoughts through writing?
- Has there been a head injury?
- Are there problems with dentures?
- What medications are used?
- Is there recent or former heavy alcohol use?
- What other symptoms are present?
The physical examination will include a detailed evaluation of brain function.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
The health care provider may refer you to a speech and language therapist or social worker.
References
Swanberg MM, Nasreddine ZS, Mendez MF, Cummings JL. Speech and language. In: Goetz CG, ed. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 6.
Review Date: 4/23/2008
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology and Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 4/23/2008
Reviewed By: Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurology and Gene Therapeutics Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.