What causes dysarthria?

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What causes dysarthria?

The causes of dysarthria depend on the type of disorder. Both types can occur at birth or develop later in life.

Central dysarthria may result from any illness or injury that leads to brain damage. Some examples are:

  • Brain tumors.
  • Dementia.
  • Side effects of certain medications, such as sedatives and anti-seizure drugs.
  • Stroke.
  • Traumatic brain injury.

Neuromuscular diseases also can cause central dysarthria:

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease).
  • Cerebral palsy.
  • Huntington’s disease.
  • Multiple sclerosis.
  • Muscular dystrophy.
  • Myasthenia gravis.
  • Parkinson’s disease.

Peripheral dysarthria develops from damage to the speech organs that changes the way a person sounds. Causes include:

  • Congenital (being born with) structural problems.
  • Surgery to the head, neck, tongue or voice box.
  • Trauma to the face or mouth.

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