Published on YouTube: Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Speech?

Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Speech?
Does Multiple Sclerosis Affect Speech? Multiple sclerosis affects speech in up to 70% of people with the condition, with changes ranging from mild voice clarity issues to noticeable slurring and word-finding difficulties caused by demyelination that damages the protective coating around nerves controlling speaking muscles in the mouth, tongue, throat, and vocal cords. Two main types of speech disorders occur: dysarthria (the more common form) caused by weak or poorly controlled speaking muscles resulting in slurred, slower, quieter, or monotone speech that fluctuates during flare-ups and remission, and dysphasia affecting language and word-finding abilities including difficulty recalling words mid-sentence, constructing coherent sentences, and understanding others. Common symptoms include MS tongue (numbness, tingling, twitching, or weakness affecting tongue precision), dysphonia (weak, hoarse, or strained voice with volume control problems), swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) that accompany speech issues, and fatigue that significantly worsens speech clarity as the day progresses with muscle weakness becoming more pronounced. Speech-language pathologists diagnose issues through comprehensive assessments testing speech patterns, muscle strength, coordination, and cognitive factors, while MRI scans identify lesions in brain areas controlling speech to predict affected functions and guide treatment planning. Treatment includes personalized speech therapy with articulation drills, breathing exercises, pacing strategies, voice strengthening techniques, and compensatory methods, combined with disease-modifying therapies that may reduce relapses and slow progression when started early with consistent home practice. Long-term outcomes depend on MS type (relapsing-remitting shows fluctuating symptoms while progressive forms worsen steadily), early intervention timing, lifestyle factors including vitamin D levels and stress management, and strong support networks among healthcare providers, therapists, and loved ones ensuring ongoing monitoring and effective communication maintenance. Read more here: https://ift.tt/83l7QUS
via YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8-wyB84HqE

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