What does slurred speech mean?
Oct 12, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Dysarthria refers to a condition characterized by unclear or slurred speech and other forms of speech impairment. It may be caused by factors such as speech disorders, an overly long lingual frenulum, or cerebral palsy, as well as psychological factors, brain hypoxia, or cerebral infarction. If symptoms of dysarthria occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and diagnosis at a hospital.
Slurred speech generally refers to a condition characterized by unclear or indistinct articulation, or other forms of speech impairment.
Slurred speech may result from various causes such as speech disorders, an overly long lingual frenulum, or cerebral palsy. It can also be triggered by psychological factors, cerebral hypoxia, or cerebral infarction. When symptoms of slurred speech occur, timely medical evaluations are necessary—including brain CT scans, cranial MRI, or electroencephalogram (EEG) tests—to rule out potential brain lesions. If needed, further diagnostic procedures such as X-ray imaging, brainstem auditory evoked potential testing, or virological tests may be performed to determine the underlying cause. In cases caused by cerebral palsy, medications such as tizanidine hydrochloride tablets or dantrolene sodium capsules may be prescribed under a doctor's guidance. For more severe symptoms, surgical interventions such as selective posterior rhizotomy or minimally invasive peripheral nerve surgery might be considered.
If slurred speech occurs, it is recommended to promptly visit a hospital for examination and diagnosis, and to receive targeted treatment under medical supervision to prevent worsening of the condition.
