In this episode, we introduce motor speech disorders and speak about characteristics used to assist in a differential diagnosis of apraxia and dysarthria.

Motor speech disorders are defined as impairments in the systems and mechanisms that control the movements necessary for the production of speech. Motor speech disorders affect different aspects of an individual's quality of life some areas affected include social interactions, self-esteem and employability. The motor disorders discussed are Dysarthria and Apraxia of Speech (AOS). Dysarthria is defined as a neuromuscular disorder of motor execution resulting from abnormalities in the strength, range of motion, tone, or precision of movements required for appropriate control of the speech subsystems. Dysarthria can be caused by a number of different pathologies such as brain tumours, trauma to the nervous system, and congenital disorders. The different causes of dysarthria are discussed: flaccid, spastic, ataxic, and dyskinetic.

Apraxia of speech is considered a disorder of speech motor planning and programming in the absence of neuromuscular deficits. Apraxia is caused by a number of different pathologies that cause damage to the brain. These include brain tumours and neurodegenerative diseases. We discuss the two different types of apraxia: acquired apraxia of speech and childhood apraxia.

In order to differentially diagnose dysarthria from apraxia, we look at the features that characterise each disorder. In the podcast, future research possibilities, tips for speaking to an individual with dysarthria and the setting in which we would see such patients are discussed.

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