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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
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Speech impairment (adult)DefinitionSpeech impairment may be any of several speech problems, particularly the following:
Dysarthria is sometimes confused with aphasia. It is important to distinguish between a difficulty in pronouncing words and a problem producing language. These problems have different causes. Alternative NamesLanguage impairment; Impairment of speech; Inability to speak; Aphasia; Dysarthria; Slurred speechConsiderationsDYSARTHRIA Dysarthria is generally apparent in daily conversation. A person will have difficulty expressing certain sounds or words. APHASIA Aphasia is loss of communication skills that were previously learned. It commonly occurs following strokes, 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. In some cases of aphasia, the problem eventually corrects itself, but in others the condition is irreversible. CausesDYSARTHRIA
APHASIA
Home CareFor dysarthria, speaking slowly and using hand gestures are recommended. Family and friends need to provide plenty of time for those afflicted 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. It's important to maintain a relaxed, calm environment and keep external stimuli to a minimum.
Frustration, profanity, and depression are typical responses in people with aphasia. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalContact your health care provider if:
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:
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 pathologist or social worker.
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 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
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