Dysarthria vs. Apraxia: Key Differences Explained

Dysarthria and apraxia are both motor speech disorders. Dysarthria occurs due to difficulty with muscle movement and function, while apraxia is a problem of motor planning that causes a breakdown in communication from the brain to the muscles. It is important to have an assessment by a qualified speech-language pathologist to receive a correct diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment planning. This article will discuss definitions, causes, symptoms, and treatment options for both dysarthria and apraxia of speech.

What is Dysarthria?

Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder that results from weakness or paralysis in the muscles of speech production, such as the lips, tongue, voice box, and diaphragm. Dysarthria may be caused by a stroke, a neurological condition such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease, or it may result from an accident that results in a traumatic brain injury.

Common symptoms include imprecise articulation, voice and resonance changes, and unusual speech rhythm or prosody. These symptoms may cause someone to sound breathy, strangled, or to have poor control of their volume. pitch, or intonation.

What is Apraxia?

Apraxia of speech (AOS) is a motor planning disorder that interferes with the brain's ability to communicate with the muscles of speech. Apraxia is not caused by muscle weakness but by a breakdown in the communication between the brain and the articulators which disrupts coordination. Symptoms of apraxia include difficulty imitating sounds, visible struggle to speak (i.e. groping movements), inconsistent errors in speech, notable pauses, and increased struggle with more complex productions.

Difference Between Apraxia and Dysarthria

Apraxia is a coordination problem that results from a breakdown in the communication between the brain and the muscles. Dysarthria results from muscle weakness or paralysis. Symptoms of dysarthria include slurred or breathy speech or a strained-strangled voice, while symptoms of apraxia include inconsistent errors and the inability to imitate. Diagnosis can be determined by thorough case history, oral-motor assessment, and tasks that challenge speech production. Assessment may also include standardized testing or instrumental assessment.

How Speech Therapy Helps with Dysarthria

A Verse speech-language pathologist will work with you to strengthen your speech muscles through exercises that involve repetition of speech sounds and focus on placement of the oral articulators. Exercises may also focus on breath support for speech and the pattern of stress in phrases and sentences. These exercises can help you control your pitch and volume as well as to sustain your speech in conversation.

Assistive devices such as voice amplifiers may be suggested, or you may work on including gestural communication to result in improved messaging. You may also work on compensatory strategies such as shortening messages. Your Verse speech-language pathologist can work with you to set a plan that helps you reach your goals.

How Speech Therapy Helps with Apraxia

Therapy for apraxia requires repetitive practice to build motor pathways and improve coordination. Evidence-based approaches for apraxia involve a multisensory approach using visual and tactile cues in addition to sound. Therapy will focus on improved motor planning to result in smoother and more coordinated speech. Verse offers personalized speech therapy in the convenience of your home. You can start today with our experts!

Finding the Right Speech Therapy for Dysarthria and Apraxia

It is essential to find a therapist with expertise in motor speech disorders who can properly diagnose your condition and help you create an individualized treatment plan. Virtual speech therapy is easily accessible and convenient for your schedule. A personalized plan can help target your specific needs, regardless of your diagnosis.

Emotional and Social Impact of Dysarthria and Apraxia

At Verse Therapy, we understand that living with dysarthria or apraxia can impact not only your basic communication effectiveness but also your social relationships and professional development. Struggles with communication can lead to frustration and isolation. Therapists can provide families and caregivers with strategies to help support your communication and your progress in therapy. Involving your communication partners is important for your overall success.

Tips for Effective Communication with Individuals with Speech Disorders

Some simple examples of strategies include maintaining eye contact, actively listening, and not rushing the conversation. Visual aids such as cards and pictures, as well as written communication or voice output devices, can also be used to help compensate. The environment can also be manipulated for greater success by minimizing background noise and allowing extra time for responses.

Ready to Begin Your Journey to Better Communication?

An accurate diagnosis of dysarthria or apraxia is the key element to forming the right treatment plan. A skilled speech-language pathologist can determine your diagnosis, and help you begin an individualized plan. Speech therapy can help you to improve the effectiveness of your communication, which can enhance your quality of life and relationships. Explore Verse's personalized therapy options and get started today!