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Warning-sign checks

Dysarthria: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if speech suddenly becomes slurred or difficult, especially with facial drooping, arm weakness, numbness, confusion, vision changes, severe imbalance, or a sudden severe headache.

    These can be signs of a stroke.

    Note the time symptoms began, and do not drive yourself for care.

    Emergency assessment is also appropriate after a significant head injury or when speech changes occur with severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness, or choking that does not clear.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice for a new speech change that is not sudden but has no clear explanation.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    You should also arrange assessment if speech is steadily worsening, interfering with daily communication, or accompanied by new weakness, tremor, swallowing difficulty, or changes in balance.

    Routine follow-up is useful when established dysarthria changes gradually, communication strategies stop working, or you need help at work, school, or home.

    A speech and language therapist can reassess your needs and discuss additional support.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Dysarthria. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.