Dysarthria:

Definition:

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that affects the muscles responsible for speech production, resulting in difficulties with pronunciation, articulation, and intelligibility.

Subtypes of Dysarthria:

1. Flaccid Dysarthria:

Flaccid dysarthria is characterized by weak and flabby muscles involved in speech production due to damage or impairment in the lower motor neurons.

2. Spastic Dysarthria:

Spastic dysarthria is characterized by high muscle tone and stiffness in the muscles involved in speech production due to damage or impairment in the upper motor neurons.

3. Ataxic Dysarthria:

Ataxic dysarthria is characterized by incoordination and unsteadiness in the muscles involved in speech production, leading to irregular and imprecise articulation.

4. Hypokinetic Dysarthria:

Hypokinetic dysarthria is characterized by reduced movement and muscle rigidity, resulting in monotonous voice, reduced loudness, and impaired articulation.

5. Hyperkinetic Dysarthria:

Hyperkinetic dysarthria is characterized by involuntary and abnormal movements in the muscles involved in speech production, leading to variable speech rate and distorted articulation.

6. Mixed Dysarthria:

Mixed dysarthria involves a combination of two or more types of dysarthria, resulting from damage or impairment in multiple areas of the central or peripheral nervous system.

7. Unilateral Upper Motor Neuron Dysarthria:

Unilateral upper motor neuron dysarthria is characterized by weakness and imprecision in the muscles on one side of the face, tongue, and throat due to damage or impairment in the unilateral upper motor neurons.

8. Spasmodic Dysarthria:

Spasmodic dysarthria is characterized by intermittent and involuntary spasms or movements in the muscles involved in speech production, causing disruptions in speech rhythm and articulation.