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SPEECH & SWALLOWING DISORDERS Dysarthrias Dysarthrias (speech disorders) are not uncommon to occur as speech patterns are controlled by the brainstem. Dysarthrias can be mild to severe. Scanning Speech Scanning speech produces speech that is disrupted with long pauses between words or syllables of words. Slurring or Nasal Sounding Slurring of words results from the weakness of the muscles of the tongue, cheeks, mouth and lips. Explosive Dysarthrias is referred to when the patient sounds as though they have a cold. Note - A language pathologist or therapist can evaluate the patient and begin rehabilitation to improve enunciation and oral communication overall. Dysphagia Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) occurs more frequently in advanced disease by can also occur at any stage of the illness. Swallowing difficulties include choking on liquids and/or food. When choking occurs because of the difficulty with dysphagia, the food and/or liquids are inhaled into the trachea. Once this occurs, it can cause pneumonia. When a patient inhales small amounts of food or liquid, it is called "silent aspiration". Treating dysphagia is done through history and neurological examination of the tongue and swallowing muscles by a speech therapist or pathologist. Treatment consists of changes in the patient's diet, exercises, and positioning of the head to improve swallowing. MS Central Support � 2002-2004