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ataxic dysarthria (includes scanning dysarthria)
Etiology:
1) cerebellar lesions
a) multiple sclerosis
b) neurodegenerative disorders affecting the cerebellum
1] Friedreich ataxia
2] spinocerebellar ataxia
c) heat stroke
d) anoxic encephalopathy
2) lesions of the brachium conjunctivum
Clinical manifestations:
1) slowness of speech
2) slurring, monotony & excessive separation of syllables
3) coordination of speech & respirations is abnormal
4) scanning dysarthria - words broken up into syllables
5) myoclonic jerks involving muscles of speech may be superimposed on cerebellar ataxia
General
dysarthria
References
- Principles of Neurology, 4th ed, Adan RD & Victor M (eds)
McGraw-Hill, Inc, New York, 1989, pg 391
- Kent RD et al, J Speecj Lang Hear Res 43:1275, 2000