Spastic Dysarthria
All about Spastic Dysarthria
Spastic dysarthria is a condition that will cause an individual to have slurred speech. There are many different types of dysarthria and they all effect the communication of the individual that has this condition. Throughout this article I will focus on the spastic type of this condition in order to help you fully understand what it is and how you can get help for it.
If you have ever been around someone with spastic dysarthria you may have noticed that the individual has a very harsh tone of voice. This person may also be difficult to hear as he or she may have a very low tone of voice. However, every now and then you may notice that this person becomes very loud and seems to be yelling at you. The strength of this person’s tongue is also effected and they may not have much strength at all.
If you or a family member is suffering from spastic dysarthria you should realize that the prognosis does not have to be poor. Actually, the younger the person is the better opportunity he or she has to overcome the dysarthria and improve his or her speech. It is also important to realize that you will have a much better outcome if you decide to have speech and language therapy rather than not undergoing any treatment at all. Interestingly enough, the person’s attitude can also play a role in their ability to overcome and deal with this issue as well. Someone who is positive and strong willed will have a much better likelihood of overcoming this as well. Your mind really does play a role in your body’s ability to heal.
The severity of the spastic dysarthria will also play a role in one’s ability to improve their speech and deal with this condition. If you have a very mild form of this dysarthria then you may be able to function just fine with basic speech and language therapy. However, if you are suffering from a very severe form you may need to eventually find other ways to communicate with the individuals around you. However, this does not mean that you should become upset and hopeless when you are diagnosed with a severe form. As you can see from the factors in the previous paragraph, there are a lot of factors that play a role in your treatment.
If you are suffering from any form of dysarthria you should talk to your doctor about all of the different treatment options that are available. You will most likely be able to work on controlling your drooling and you will be able to work on controlling some of the sucking noises that you make with this condition. Your doctor will be able to explain what type of dysarthria you are suffering from as well as what treatment options are available. He or she will be able to identify the likelihood of success as well.
Dealing with something like spastic dysarthria can be very overwhelming and frightening at times. You may want to find a support group so that you can express your feelings and work with others that know exactly how you feel. You may talk to your doctor’s office and ask if they know of any different support groups that are available in your area. If you are not able to find anything close you may even want to look on the internet. This can become a great resource for helping your deal with your condition. If a support group is not working for you, you may want to consider speaking to a therapist. Remember that you frame of mind can effect your treatment so it is best to be emotionally healthy in order to succeed.