Overview
Dysarthria is a speech disorder that can occur following a stroke. It affects the muscles used to produce speech, making it difficult to speak clearly and communicate effectively.
People with dysarthria may experience slurred, slow or unclear speech, changes in their voice or difficulty controlling the movements of their lips, tongue and jaw.
Although dysarthria can make communication challenging, it does not necessarily affect a person’s ability to think, understand language or know what they want to say.
At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, our specialist inpatient stroke rehabilitation service includes Speech and Language Therapy to support people experiencing communication difficulties following stroke.
What is dysarthria?
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder caused by damage to the parts of the nervous system responsible for controlling the muscles involved in speaking.
Speech relies on the coordinated movement of several muscles, including those in the face, lips, tongue, jaw, throat and respiratory system.
A stroke can damage the brain pathways that control these movements. This may affect the strength, speed, coordination and precision of the muscles needed to produce speech.
As a result, a person’s speech may sound slurred, weak, slow or difficult to understand.
Dysarthria can range from relatively mild speech changes to more severe difficulties where verbal communication becomes extremely challenging.
What causes dysarthria after a stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when bleeding damages brain tissue.
There are two main types:
The brain controls the muscles involved in speech production. When a stroke damages the areas or neurological pathways responsible for these movements, the muscles may become weak, slow or poorly coordinated.
This can affect several aspects of speech, including:
- Articulation: forming sounds clearly using the lips, tongue and jaw.
- Voice production: controlling the strength, pitch and quality of the voice.
- Breathing: coordinating breathing with speech.
- Resonance: controlling how sound resonates through the mouth and nose.
- Speech rhythm: controlling the speed, timing and natural flow of speech.
The type and severity of dysarthria depend on the location and extent of the brain injury.
Symptoms of dysarthria following stroke
Dysarthria affects people differently. Some experience mild changes in speech, while others may find it extremely difficult to make themselves understood.
Common symptoms include:
- Slurred or unclear speech.
- Speaking more slowly than usual.
- Speaking too quickly, making words difficult to distinguish.
- Difficulty moving the lips, tongue or jaw.
- Reduced control over speech volume.
- A weak, quiet or breathy voice.
- A strained, hoarse or nasal-sounding voice.
- Changes in the rhythm or natural flow of speech.
- Difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words.
- Reduced clarity when speaking for longer periods.
- Drooling or difficulty controlling saliva.
Speech difficulties may become more noticeable when a person is tired, stressed or trying to communicate in a noisy environment.
In more severe cases, speech may be difficult for other people to understand, even when the person knows exactly what they want to say.
What is the difference between dysarthria and aphasia?
Dysarthria and aphasia are two different communication difficulties that can occur following a stroke. They can also happen at the same time.
Dysarthria affects speech production.
A person with dysarthria may understand what someone is saying and know exactly what they want to communicate, but have difficulty physically controlling the muscles needed to produce clear speech.
Aphasia affects language.
A person with aphasia may have difficulty finding the right words, understanding what others are saying, reading or writing. This is caused by damage to the areas of the brain responsible for language.
The distinction is important because the assessment and rehabilitation approach may differ depending on the underlying communication difficulty.
Some people also experience apraxia of speech, which affects the planning and coordination of the movements needed to produce speech. A Speech and Language Therapist can help identify the nature of the difficulty.
How can dysarthria affect everyday life?
Speech difficulties can have a significant impact on a person’s confidence, independence and ability to interact with others.
Depending on the severity of their symptoms, someone with dysarthria may find it difficult to:
- Hold conversations with family and friends.
- Communicate their needs to healthcare professionals.
- Use the telephone or participate in video calls.
- Take part in social activities.
- Return to work or previous responsibilities.
- Express their thoughts clearly in unfamiliar situations.
- Communicate effectively in noisy or busy environments.
Some people become frustrated when others struggle to understand them. This can lead to reduced confidence, anxiety or withdrawing from conversations.
Supporting communication is therefore an important part of stroke rehabilitation, not just improving speech clarity but also helping people remain involved in everyday life.
How is dysarthria diagnosed after a stroke?
A Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) can assess speech difficulties following a stroke and help establish whether they are caused by dysarthria or another communication impairment.
An assessment may include:
- Reviewing the person’s medical and stroke history.
- Assessing the movement and strength of the lips, tongue, jaw and facial muscles.
- Listening to speech clarity and pronunciation.
- Assessing voice quality, volume and pitch.
- Examining speech speed, rhythm and coordination.
- Assessing breathing and its coordination with speech.
- Considering how speech difficulties affect everyday communication.
The therapist may also assess whether the person has additional difficulties, such as aphasia, apraxia of speech or swallowing problems.
The assessment helps identify the individual’s communication needs and establish appropriate rehabilitation goals.
Treatment and rehabilitation for dysarthria following stroke
Treatment is tailored to the individual’s speech difficulties, communication needs and overall recovery following stroke.
Speech and Language Therapy aims to improve speech clarity where possible and help people develop alternative ways of communicating when verbal speech remains difficult.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Therapy is central to the rehabilitation of dysarthria.
Depending on the person’s assessment, therapy may include:
- Exercises and activities targeting speech muscle coordination.
- Practising individual sounds, words and sentences.
- Techniques to improve pronunciation and speech clarity.
- Practising a slower, more controlled speaking pace.
- Strategies to improve voice volume and projection.
- Breathing techniques to support speech.
- Exercises involving rhythm, timing and speech production.
- Practising everyday conversations and functional communication.
Therapy is individualised and should focus on the communication activities that matter most to the person.
Communication strategies
Some people benefit from practical techniques that make their speech easier to understand.
These may include:
- Speaking more slowly and allowing time between phrases.
- Taking a breath before starting a sentence.
- Using clear and deliberate pronunciation.
- Reducing background noise.
- Facing the person they are speaking to.
- Using shorter phrases when necessary.
- Repeating or rephrasing information if it has not been understood.
These strategies can help make conversations more manageable while the person works on their speech.
Alternative and augmentative communication
For people with more severe dysarthria, additional communication methods may be helpful.
These can include:
- Writing or typing messages.
- Using an alphabet or communication board.
- Gestures and facial expressions.
- Communication apps or electronic devices.
- Voice amplification or other assistive technology where appropriate.
The aim is to ensure that people can communicate their needs, preferences and decisions, even when spoken communication is limited.
Support for family members and carers
Family members and carers can play an important role in supporting someone with dysarthria.
They may benefit from guidance on how to make conversations easier, including:
- Giving the person enough time to finish speaking.
- Listening carefully without interrupting.
- Reducing background noise and distractions.
- Asking for clarification when necessary.
- Checking that they have understood correctly.
- Encouraging the use of gestures, writing or communication aids.
Involving family members in rehabilitation can help communication strategies continue beyond the hospital environment.
Dysarthria rehabilitation at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital
At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, Speech and Language Therapy forms part of our specialist inpatient neurological and stroke rehabilitation service.
Our multidisciplinary team supports patients experiencing communication difficulties following stroke, helping them work towards improved speech, greater confidence and increased independence.
Depending on the individual’s assessment and clinical needs, rehabilitation may include:
Speech and Language Therapy
Assessment and individualised therapy for speech production, clarity and communication difficulties. This may include exercises, practical speaking strategies and alternative communication methods.
Physiotherapy
Support with physical recovery, mobility, balance and coordination where these have also been affected by stroke.
Occupational Therapy
Help with everyday activities and developing strategies to manage communication and other functional difficulties in daily life.
Specialist nursing support
Ongoing support with daily care and the practical implementation of rehabilitation recommendations.
Multidisciplinary rehabilitation planning
The team works together to establish individual goals, monitor progress and support the patient’s wider recovery.
Rehabilitation is tailored to the person’s abilities and priorities, recognising that communication difficulties can affect many aspects of everyday life.
Who may benefit from inpatient stroke rehabilitation?
Inpatient rehabilitation may be appropriate for people who have ongoing communication difficulties following stroke and would benefit from a structured programme of specialist therapy and support.
This may include people who:
- Have persistent slurred or unclear speech following stroke.
- Find it difficult to communicate their needs.
- Have dysarthria alongside other physical or cognitive difficulties.
- Need support from a Speech and Language Therapist.
- Would benefit from coordinated rehabilitation involving different healthcare professionals.
- Require support to develop alternative communication strategies.
Suitability depends on the person’s medical stability, rehabilitation needs, ability to participate and individual circumstances. An assessment is required to establish whether inpatient rehabilitation is appropriate.
Why choose The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital?
The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital provides specialist inpatient rehabilitation for adults recovering from stroke and other neurological conditions.
Our multidisciplinary approach brings together rehabilitation professionals to support the physical, cognitive and communication difficulties that can follow a neurological injury.
Speech and Language Therapy is an important part of this service, helping patients address speech and communication problems as part of their wider rehabilitation programme.
The team works with patients, families and referring professionals to establish individual rehabilitation goals and support planning for the next stage of recovery.
Discuss stroke rehabilitation with our team
Dysarthria can make everyday communication difficult, but appropriate assessment and rehabilitation can help people develop clearer speech and alternative ways to communicate.
If you or someone close to you is experiencing speech difficulties following a stroke, our team can discuss the inpatient rehabilitation options available at The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital.
Call 01296 678800 to speak to the team, visit our Stroke Recovery and Rehabilitation page to find out more or make an enquiry online using the button below.
Frequently asked questions
Can dysarthria improve after a stroke?
Some people experience improvements in speech clarity following a stroke. Speech and Language Therapy can help develop speech production, coordination and communication strategies. The extent of improvement varies depending on the severity and location of the stroke and the individual’s recovery.
Is dysarthria the same as slurred speech?
Slurred speech is one of the most recognisable symptoms of dysarthria. However, dysarthria can also affect speaking speed, voice volume, pronunciation, rhythm and voice quality.
Does dysarthria affect intelligence?
No. Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder and does not, by itself, affect a person’s intelligence or understanding of language. Someone may know exactly what they want to say but struggle to produce clear speech. A stroke can, however, cause other cognitive or language difficulties alongside dysarthria.
Can dysarthria occur alongside aphasia?
Yes. Some people experience both conditions following a stroke. Dysarthria affects the physical production of speech, while aphasia affects language, including speaking, understanding, reading and writing.
What does a Speech and Language Therapist do for dysarthria?
A Speech and Language Therapist assesses speech production and identifies the difficulties affecting communication. They can provide individualised exercises, speaking techniques, communication strategies and advice on alternative communication methods.
Can someone with severe dysarthria communicate without speaking?
Yes. Communication boards, writing, gestures, electronic devices and communication apps can help people express their needs and preferences when spoken communication is difficult.
How long does dysarthria last after a stroke?
There is no fixed recovery timescale. Some people experience improvements relatively quickly, while others have longer-term speech difficulties. Rehabilitation needs should be reviewed regularly and adjusted according to the person’s progress.
When should someone seek emergency help for slurred speech?
Sudden-onset slurred or unclear speech can be a sign of a stroke, particularly when accompanied by facial weakness, arm weakness, numbness or other sudden neurological symptoms. Call 999 immediately, even if the symptoms improve or disappear.
Important: This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment.
Review Date: 09/11/28
Published Date: 09/11/26
