Slurred Speech (Dysarthria): ENT and Neurological Warning Signs
Dysarthria, commonly described as slurred or unclear speech, occurs when the muscles used for speaking are weakened, uncoordinated, or obstructed. While temporary slurring may occur with fatigue or alcohol, persistent dysarthria in adults is a serious warning sign that requires urgent medical evaluation.
From an ENT and Head & Neck specialist’s perspective, dysarthria may arise from tongue or throat tumours, nerve involvement, airway obstruction, or neurological disease. Early diagnosis is critical.
What Does Dysarthria Feel or Sound Like?
Patients or family members may notice:
- Slurred or unclear speech
- Difficulty pronouncing words
- Slow or effortful speech
- Nasal or muffled voice quality
- Worsening clarity with fatigue
- Associated swallowing difficulty
Patients themselves may be unaware of the change—often noticed by others first.
Common Causes of Dysarthria
1. Tongue or Oral Cancer
Tumours restrict tongue movement and articulation.
2. Throat or Laryngeal Cancer
Affects voice clarity and airflow during speech.
3. Cranial Nerve Involvement
Tumours or infections affecting speech nerves.
4. Stroke or Neurological Disease
A medical emergency that must be excluded.
5. Severe Infection or Inflammation
May temporarily impair muscle coordination.
6. Advanced Head & Neck Disease
Multiple structures involved, causing speech impairment.
🚨 Red Flags You Must Not Ignore
Seek urgent medical or ENT assessment if dysarthria:
- Persists more than a few days
- Worsens progressively
- Is associated with tongue swelling or neck lump
- Comes with difficulty swallowing
- Occurs with facial weakness
- Appears suddenly (possible stroke)
Slurred speech is never normal.
How an ENT Specialist Evaluates Dysarthria
ENT assessment is systematic:
- Detailed symptom timeline
- Examination of tongue, palate, and throat
- Assessment of speech clarity and articulation
- Flexible nasoendoscopy
- Neck examination for lumps
- Imaging (CT/MRI) if required
- Referral to neurology if indicated
This ensures both ENT and neurological causes are safely excluded.
Treatment Depends on the Cause
✅ Benign or Reversible Causes
- Infection treatment
- Inflammation control
- Speech therapy
✅ Malignancy
- Early referral to head & neck cancer team
- Surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy
✅ Neurological Causes
- Urgent stroke or neurology care
Early treatment improves speech recovery and survival.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur?
Consult an ENT specialist urgently if:
- Speech becomes slurred or unclear
- Symptoms persist or worsen
- There are associated head & neck symptoms
Early ENT assessment may be life-saving.
👨⚕️ ENT Specialist’s Perspective
Dysarthria is a functional symptom reflecting structural or neurological disease. From a head and neck standpoint, it often signals advanced tongue or throat pathology. Prompt evaluation ensures serious disease is not missed and allows timely intervention.
Reviewed by Dr Ameen, ENT Specialist, Kuala Lumpur
Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur 