Dysarthria is a condition that occurs when there are problems with the muscles that help you talk. Most times, dysarthria occurs:
Some simple changes in the way you talk with a person who has dysarthria can make a difference.
The person who has dysarthria and their family may need to learn different ways of communicating. Some of these are:
If you do not understand the patient, do not just agree with them. Ask them to speak again. Tell them what you think they said and ask them to repeat it. Ask the person to say it in a different way. Ask them to slow down so that you can make out their words, if needed.
Listen carefully and allow the person to finish. Be patient. Make eye contact with them before speaking, if possible. Give positive feedback for their effort.
Ask questions in a way that they can answer you with a simple "yes" or "no."
Suggestions for a patient with dysarthria:
Updated by: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Medical Director of Neurologique, Ponte Vedra, FL and President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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