Which dysarthria type typically has a slow rate of speech and imprecise consonants?

Spastic dysarthria is characterized by a slow rate of speech and imprecise consonants due to the increased muscle tone (hypertonia) and impaired motor control that arises from damage to the upper motor neurons. This condition leads to weakness and a lack of coordination in speech production muscles, resulting in a strained-strangled voice quality, difficulty controlling the timing and coordination of movements, and imprecise articulation.

In spastic dysarthria, the slowed speech rate can be attributed to the rigidity of the facial and respiratory muscles which affects the timing and rhythm of speech. Imprecise consonants stem from inadequate closure of articulators (lips, tongue, jaw, etc.) and difficulty in producing clear distinctions between sounds, leading to slurred speech.

These characteristics differentiate spastic dysarthria from other types, such as flaccid dysarthria, which may present with a different combination of speech qualities including breathy voice or drooping facial muscles. Hyperkinetic dysarthria features excessive movements and variable speech rate, while dyskinetic dysarthria (often seen in conditions like dystonia) presents with involuntary movements that can disrupt the normal speech pattern dramatically. Therefore, the defining traits of spastic dysarthria align