Dysarthria consequent to cervical spinal cord injury and recurrent laryngeal nerve damage: A case report

Abstract

Objective: To assess and describe the involvement of all speech subsystems, including respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance, and prosody, in an individual with cervical spinal cord injury. Methods: Detailed speech and voice assessment was performed that included Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, cranial nerve examination, voice (perceptual and instrumental) and nasometric evaluation, and intelligibility and communicative effectiveness. Results: Impaired respiratory and phonatory control correlated with the physical impairment of C4 and C5 pro-lapsed intervertebral disc. Cranial nerve examination indicated nerve IX and XI pathology. Phonatory deficits such as imprecise consonants and mild sibilant distortions were apparent. Voice analysis revealed a hoarse, breathy voice with reduced loudness and no problems with resonance. Reading and speaking rate was reduced, and overall a mild reduction in communicative effectiveness was perceived. Conclusion: Assessment of the speech subsystems produced a comprehensive picture of the patient?s condition and impairments in one or more areas was identified. Treatment options to improve speech outcomes were pro-vided.