Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system that can impair motor control, including speech and swallowing. Individuals with MS often develop a mixed dysarthria due to brainstem and cerebellar involvement, which may manifest as slow, slurred, or weak speech. Cognitive-communication difficulties, such as word-finding problems and reduced processing speed, are also common. SLPs provide interventions tailored to fatigue levels and symptom variability. Treatment may include speech pacing, AAC, and compensatory swallowing strategies.
Plotas, Panagiotis, et al. Speech Deficits in Multiple Sclerosis: A Narrative Review of the Existing Literature. European Journal of Medical Research 28 (2023).
Duffy, Joseph R. Motor Speech Disorders: Substrates, Differential Diagnosis, and Management. 3rd ed. Elsevier, (2013).
