Stroke-associated dysarthria

Abstract

A stroke can damage various regions of the brain. Damage to the upper motor neurons of the pyramidal tracts causes unilateral upper motor neuron dysarthria or spastic dysarthria. Dysarthria caused by a stroke is characterized by the coexistence of neurological deficits such as hemiparesis, hemiataxia, clumsiness of one hand, central facial paresis, and tongue deviation. In this review, we summarize the association between stroke and dysarthria, highlight the relevant methods used to measure stroke-associated dysarthria, and discuss specific exercises, advice, explanations, strategies, and psychological support.

Keywords: diagnosis; dysarthria; stroke; the pyramidal tracts; therapy; upper motor neurons.

Figure 1

Stroke-associated dysarthria and lesion localization. This figure illustrates the relationship between stroke-associated dysarthria and lesions in key speech-related brain regions. In particular, the primary motor cortex, lateral premotor cortex, prefrontal cortices, supplementary motor area, corona radiata, internal capsule, striatocapsular area, midbrain, pons, medulla, and cerebellum are implicated.

Figure 2

Therapies for stroke-associated dysarthria. This diagram illustrates therapies for stroke-associated dysarthria, including breathing exercises, speech training, psychotherapy, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, transcranial direct current stimulation, acupuncture, and Liuzijue Qigong. Key Mechanisms: breathing exercises: they improve strength, speed, and accuracy of oral muscle movement. Speech training: this strengthens breathing and oral muscles. Psychotherapy: this improves negative emotions and quality of life. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation: This retrains neural circuits and promotes restoration and acquisition of new compensatory skills. Transcranial direct current stimulation: this has a beneficial effect on speech by modulating activity in the primary motor cortex. Acupuncture: this improves nerve sensitivity. Liuzijue Qigong: this improves respiratory control and comprehensive speech ability.