A simple guide
What is dysarthria?
Dysarthria is a difficulty with speech. The muscles used for speaking may be weak or difficult to control.
What might you notice?
- Speech that sounds slurred
- Speech that is slow or uneven
- A voice that is too quiet or loud
- A voice that sounds strained or nasal
Everyone is different
Speech may be harder when you feel tired.
What causes it?
It can follow a stroke or brain injury. It can also happen with conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis or motor neurone disease.
Is it the same as aphasia?
No. Dysarthria affects how speech sounds. Aphasia affects language. Some people have both.
How can therapy help?
A speech and language therapist can help you find ways to make speech clearer or use other ways to communicate. Support is tailored to you.
Sudden new slurred speech or difficulty speaking?
Call 999. This could be a stroke.
General information, not individual advice. Sources credited in the original Ember guide: NHS. September 2026.
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