What is a common feature of spastic dysarthria?

A hallmark of spastic dysarthria is the presence of bilateral impairment in the movement patterns of the speech musculature. This condition arises due to damage in the upper motor neurons, leading to increased muscle tone and spasticity, which results in difficulty controlling and coordinating the movements required for speech production. Consequently, individuals with spastic dysarthria may exhibit striated, imprecise, or slow movements across multiple muscle groups used in speech, impacting clarity and fluency.

The impairment of bilateral movement patterns also helps to account for other characteristics of spastic dysarthria, such as the harsh or strained voice quality, reduced vocal intensity, and slurred articulation. These symptoms collectively highlight the challenges that arise when the coordinated movement of muscles is compromised, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of speech.