Dysarthria and Stroke Can be Treated
Understand the connection between dysarthria and stroke, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Explore expert insights on managing speech difficulties post-stroke for improved communication and quality of life.
Introduction to Dysarthria and Stroke
Dysarthria is a speech problem that often occurs when a person experiences a stroke. The broken vessels in the brain can cause this speech impairment. The muscles used for speech become weak, and the stroke victim has difficulty in controlling the facial and the mouth muscles used for speaking.
Understanding Dysarthria
Speech may be very slow and words are slurred. The immediate connection between the brain and speech is affected. This is often due to facial paralysis of tongue and throat muscles resulting from the stroke.
A person who has suffered a stroke may find that one side of the face is affected and speak from the other side of the mouth. The stroke patient may only be able to speak in a whisper.
Stroke and Dysarthria Symptoms
A drooping face and slurred speech are symptoms of a stroke that can result in dysarthria. This is accompanied by a numbness and weakness in the face, arms and legs. Dizziness and difficulty in walking are also symptoms. Vision may also be affected.
It is necessary to contact emergency help immediately. (Dial 995 in Singapore.) A quick response team may be able to prevent more complications and even death. Dysarthria is diagnosed based on the symptoms.
Diagnostic Methods for Strokes
Neurological examinations are used to diagnose a stroke and check for dysarthria. This includes imaging tests such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scan of the brain. The scans help to assess the damage to the brain.
Blood flow tests are also used to determine any changes in blood flowing to the brain through arteries. Ultrasound may be used for this diagnosis.
Electrical tests measure the electrical impulses of the brain. The electroencephalogram (EGG) monitors the brain waves. An Evoked Response test is used to determine how the brain handles different sensory information. This includes hearing and speech processing.
Causes that can Lead to Stroke
A stroke can attack anyone at any age, however it is more common in senior citizens 60 and older.
Probable causes include:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol and triglycerides
- High glucose levels
- Obesity
- Smoking
People can lower their risk of stroke and heart attacks with careful eating and exercise. This includes foods high in vitamins and low in foods that raise cholesterol levels. Fruits, vegetables, lean poultry and fish are advised. Sugars, starches with empty carbohydrates, and many high-calorie processed foods are eliminated. Eliminating smoking lowers the risk of all cardiovascular diseases as well as some cancers.
Other causes that cannot be controlled include a family history of cardiovascular diseases. In addition, head injuries, tumors, and other diseases can lead to dysarthria.
Treatment and Management of Dysarthria
Speech therapy is a major treatment for dysarthria in stroke patients and others with this health issue. Speech-language pathologist are trained to work specifically with people who experience dysarthria. One of their goals is to help people with this problem to avoid depression, along with helping to restore normal speech.
Patients are also taught a few strategies to work with dysarthria. These include:
- Communicating face-to-face with people.
- Talking in a quiet environment.
- Eliminate distracting backgrounds.
- Explain the situation and ask listeners to be patient.
Patients with dysarthria are empowered. They understand that their condition is reversible with therapy and practice.
Stroke Prevention in Singapore
Diagnostic procedures are also available to help people who may be at risk for a stroke. The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic in Singapore has various advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate stroke risk along with preventive treatment.
Our stroke specialist, Dr. Manish Taneja, will also give you a regimen to follow if you are at risk for a stroke. This will include a proper diet and exercise. Medication may be prescribed for some patients. We invite you to contact us for an appointment.
Consult a Stroke Specialist in Singapore
Dr. Manish Taneja, is an expert in endovascular and image guided neurointerventional procedures of brain and spine. He has special interest in treatment of brain aneurysms, stroke and vascular malformations. Come in for a further evaluation and arrange an appointment today with our stroke specialist.
Stroke Resources
Stroke In Younger Adults: What You Need to Know
You are never too young to have a stroke. As such, it is important to know what to look out for and how your lifestyle increases your risk of having a stroke.
We've Got You Covered for Specialized Stroke Screening, Prevention, and Management
Imagine heart attacks where the blood flow to your heart is blocked. Similarly, a stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is interrupted becoming a "brain attack". When blood supply does not reach a certain part, brain cells begin to die. Different types of stroke include ischemic strokes (blockage of blood vessel due to blood clot) or a mini stroke, a TIA (transient ischemic attack), with no permanent damage yet serious. Stroke also occurs when a blood vessel in the brain pops causing bleeding in the brain.
When a stroke occurs, the symptoms of stroke depend on how blood flow to the brain is affected. Individuals at high risk and even higher risk (family history) often have high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, or another risk factor for stroke, all of which increase the risk of stroke. Disrupted blood flow can even damage the blood vessel in the brain and affect one side of the body. Having a stroke doesn’t mean it has to lead to permanent disabilities. Recognizing early warning signs is essential to reduce the risk, and in some cases, procedures such as carotid endarterectomy may help increase the blood vessel in the brain and restore healthy circulation.
Certain areas of the brain can be affected by stroke and some symptoms of a stroke including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood sugar levels increase the risk of stroke whereas an active lifestyle or controlling high cholesterol reduces the risk. How well do you know stroke? Find tips to prevent and manage stroke, the differences in stroke screening tests, and the newer technology and treatments available. Come in for an easy consultation and further evaluation with our stroke specialist in Singapore at the Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic.
Supreme Vascular and Interventional Stroke Programs
Brain Aneurysm Resources
Explore our brain aneurysm resources. Understanding a brain aneurysm often involves learning across several areas.
Put Brain Aneurysm on Your Health Radar
Did you experience the worst headache of your life? Thoughts could be racing through your mind. A brain aneurysm is a weak spot in a blood vessel in the brain that can change over time. The key concern is when an aneurysm ruptures, which can disrupt blood flow, affect brain tissue, and lead to serious brain damage. Controllable conditions like high blood pressure can increase this risk and treatment options can depend on the condition. Surgical clipping is one option that prevents blood from entering the weakened area. In many cases, minimally invasive treatments can also be used to restore normal blood flow and reduce risk. We have created structured guides to help you explore each stage in more detail:
A simple (computed tomography) CT scan could be just what the doctor ordered and the first step in early detection and prevention of a brain aneurysm. Come in for an easy consultation with our brain aneurysm specialist in Singapore to be on your health radar.
Other Health Conditions
The Supreme Vascular and Interventional Clinic is your “go-to” facility for various neurological conditions and treatments. To arrange an appointment with Dr. Manish Taneja, our neurointervention specialist, contact us. You can also call us at (+65) 6904 8084 for a consultation.