aphasiahelp.org - Unclear or slurred speech (dysarthria)

Unclear or slurred speech (dysarthria)

Sometimes a stroke affects the muscles of the throat, tongue and mouth. The muscles become weak.

They don't work smoothly and efficiently together as they did before. Your speech can become slurred and is difficult to understand.

For some this is a minor problem. Others find that it is difficult to say anything clearly and to make themselves understood.

This problem is called dysarthria.

Sometimes, a person can have both aphasia and dysarthria.

Check others understand you.
Check what you can do to make your speech clearer. For example, it may help if you talk slowly, or repeat things.
Find out what situations make your speech less clear, so you can avoid them if you want to.
Give clues to help others understand: gestures, drawing, writing.