Physical Disabilities
Physical disabilities can be sensory, where there are problems with sight, hearing or speech, or they may impair motor function, so that movement is restricted or imprecise. Injuries may cause a disability, and disease such as a heart condition may also make normal exertion impossible.
Some disabilities start at birth - congenital disabilities. Others are acquired during life. If you have a disability, it is almost certain that there are many others who do also. Most conditions have support groups or associations that have grown up relating to the problem. These groups may offer specialized help to minimize the effect of the condition.
Recently Answered
- Q What increases my risk for dysarthria?
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A stroke, brain damage, or damage to the central nervous system can increase your risk for developing dysarthria. If you have certain nerve conditions, like cerebral palsy, Parkinson's disease, or ALS, you may be at an increased risk for dysarthria.... Full Answer
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- Q How do other illnesses affect dysarthria?
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Other illnesses or conditions, such as a stroke, brain injury, or degenerative disease, may lead to dysarthria. The progression of some degenerative diseases can make speech control more difficult and worsen dysarthria. Additionally, some medications... Full Answer
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- Q Is there a cure for dysarthria?
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There is no single cure for dysarthria. A variety of underlying causes can lead to the speech impediment, so successful treatment is tailored to the specific cause. In some cases, dysarthria may be caused by certain medications; stopping these... Full Answer
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- Q What are the symptoms of dysarthria?
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Dysarthria is a speech impediment characterized by slurred or distorted speech that is difficult to understand. Symptoms may include abnormal intonation, stuffy or nasal voice quality, and irregular rhythm of speech. People with dysarthria may struggle... Full Answer
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- Q What are the treatment options for dysarthria?
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Dysarthria treatment varies based on the condition's severity and underlying cause. If the underlying cause can be treated, the treatment for that condition may be sufficient to treat dysarthria symptoms. If certain medications are the cause, switching... Full Answer
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- Q How do medications treat dysarthria?
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Medications may be useful for treating and managing some underlying causes of dysarthria, although they don't help in all cases. If dysarthria is associated with a degenerative disease like Parkinson's disease, medications that slow the disease's... Full Answer
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- Q What causes dysarthria?
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Dysarthria can be caused by a variety of things that affect the brain's ability to control and coordinate the muscles used to produce sound and speech. Damage to the brain stem or nerves can prevent the brain from properly controlling the lips, tongue,... Full Answer
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- Q Can dysarthria be prevented?
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Dysarthria is a speech impediment that can result from a variety of underlying conditions, so prevention may or may not be possible depending on the condition. The best way to reduce your risk for developing these conditions is by maintaining a healthy... Full Answer
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- Q How is dysarthria diagnosed?
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To properly diagnose dysarthria, a speech pathologist will first evaluate your speaking difficulty. After seeing a speech pathologist, another doctor or neurologist will perform several tests to determine the underlying cause. These tests may include... Full Answer
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- Q Is dysarthria serious?
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While dysarthria is not a life-threatening condition, the inability to effectively communicate can seriously impact your quality of life. For some people, dysarthria can hurt relationships with family and friends, and even lead to depression.... Full Answer
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