Word parts
What it means
A problem with making the sounds of speech, not with choosing words. The person knows what to say, but the lips, tongue, throat or breathing muscles do not work well, so speech is slurred, mumbled, slow or too soft. It is seen after a stroke and in Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis and other nerve and muscle conditions. It differs from dysphasiadis-FAY-zhuhDifficulty speaking or understanding spoken or written language, caused by damage to the brain.dys- difficult-phasia speechFull entry , which is trouble with language itself.
For the nurse
Give the client time, ask short yes-or-no questions and repeat back what you heard. A sudden onset of slurred speech must be reported at once as a possible stroke. Check swallowing too, since the same muscles are often weak.
In a chart
"New onset of slurred speech and right facial droop at 1430; rapid response called."
At a glance
| Everyday words | slurred speech |
|---|---|
| Spanish | disartria |
| Also written | dysarthric |
Easy to confuse with
dysphasia
Difficulty speaking or understanding spoken or written language, caused by damage to the brain.