The dysarthria associated with spinal cord injury (SCI) is characterized by speech
impairments that reflect respiratory dysfunction and its downstream effects on phonation,
articulation, and prosody. The exact nature of the dysarthria is determined in large
part by the level of SCI and whether or not diaphragm function is spared. Individuals
with insufficient diaphragm strength to breathe on their own must rely on ventilator
support, which may help or hinder speech, depending on a variety of ventilator-related
variables. This article provides a conceptual review of the underlying pathophysiology
and effects of respiratory muscle weakness on speech produced with and without mechanical
ventilation. Selected multidisciplinary interventions for the dysarthria of SCI are
also reviewed.
Keywords
Spinal cord injury (SCI) - nontraumatic spinal cord injury (NTSCI) - dysarthria -
respiration - speech - mechanical ventilation