Speech Impairment (Adult)
Alternate Names : Aphasia, Dysarthria, Dysphasia, Impairment of Speech, Inability to Speak, Language Impairment, Slurred Speech
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What to Expect at your Health Care Provider's Office
The health care provider will obtain a medical history and will perform a physical examination. The medical history may require the assistance of family or friends.
Medical history questions documenting speech impairment may include the following:
- Time pattern
- When did it develop?
- Did it develop suddenly?
- Quality
- Is there a problem with clearly pronouncing words (dysarthria)?
- Is there a problem understanding speech?
- Is there a problem expressing thoughts through speech?
- Is there a problem understanding writing?
- Is there a problem expressing thoughts through writing?
- Aggravating factors
- Has there been a recent head injury?
- Are there problems with dentures?
- What medications are used?
- Is there recent or former heavy alcohol use?
- What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination will include a detailed evaluation of brain function.
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
The health care provider may provide a referral to a speech pathologist, and in some cases, to a social worker.
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