Dysarthria and Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Study

Abstract

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common motor neuron disease affecting the bulbar, limb and respiratory muscles. ALS is generally characterized by progressive degeneration of both upper motor neuron (UMN) and lower motor neuron (LMN) dysfunction leading to a ‘mixed’ spastic-flaccid dysarthria. To date, only a few studies have been published regarding the nature of speech characteristics and dysphagia during the developmental course of ALS. The present study highlighted the nature of speech impairment and swallowing difficulties in a 36-year-old male who was diagnosed as having ALS with bulbar signs. Speech evaluation indicated the presence of flaccid spastic mixed dysarthria. His speech was characterized by hypernasality, imprecise consonants, distorted vowels, harshness, short phrases, mono-pitch, mono-loudness, silent pauses, prolonged phonemes, slow rate of speech, leading to poor speech intelligibility. Also, the swallowing assessment revealed a moderate degree of dysphagia because of the “bulbar onset” of ALS. Knowledge of speech, language and swallowing characteristics in individuals with ALS is crucial, as it helps the professionals and the caregivers to give a better service. This knowledge is often used for rehabilitation, employment, participation in the community, and to inform the role of family members in the betterment of the patient.

Keywords: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), degeneration, dysarthria, dysphagia, motor neurons

Cite this Article

Theaja Kuriakose, Girish K.S. Dysarthria and Dysphagia in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Study. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience. 2020; 10(3): 12–19p.