congenital dysarthria

speech disorder

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Last updated

July 21, 2026

Quick Summary

Congenital dysarthria is a motor speech disorder present from birth, caused by neurological damage affecting the nerves that control speech muscles. This can impact muscles for articulation (lips, tongue, jaw), as well as those for nasality, phonation, and respiration.1

Manifestations include slurred, slow, or mumbled speech, breathiness, hoarseness, and difficulties with swallowing and drooling. Individuals with congenital dysarthria may sometimes be mistaken for being intellectually disabled or deaf. This condition can occur with any disorder that affects speech muscle production. Therapy can help improve speech intelligibility and communication strategies.1

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dysarthria
Congenital dysarthria can occur in conjunction with any disorder, inherited or acquired, that affects the muscles of speech production. Dysarthria acquired later in life may result from stroke, brain injury, a tumour, infection, or a progressive neurological disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis,…
Read More
Congenital dysarthria can occur in conjunction with any disorder, inherited or acquired, that affects the muscles of speech production. Dysarthria acquired later in life may result from stroke, brain injury, a tumour, infection, or a progressive neurological disease such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis,…
Read More