Speech problems are common among people living with MS. They can happen at any stage and may range from mild to severe. New technology and speech therapies can improve your ability to communicate.
Many people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) experience speech issues.
With MS, you can develop persistent speech difficulties, or you might have speech problems that come and go. You may find your speech is slurred, your voice isn’t as strong, or you have challenges talking because your chest feels weak.
Scanning speech, which is characterized by an irregular speech rhythm and long pauses, is common in multiple sclerosis.
Speech issues may happen during any stage of MS, but not everyone experiences them.
With MS, you can have persistent speech problems all the time, or you may have trouble speaking whenever you feel tired, or you might have speech problems only when you have an MS exacerbation.
Keep reading to learn what causes speech problems with MS and what you can do to manage this aspect of the condition.
MS is a condition in which the immune system attacks the protective layer around nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Nerve damage may result in loss of coordination between the muscles necessary for speech.
Doctors divide speech problems into two types:
Dysarthria is more relevant to people living with MS. It’s tied to a loss of motor function or muscle control. This makes it harder to form words and can result in slurred speech, soft voice, or a choppy speech rhythm.
In addition, MS can cause you to feel weak or tired. Fatigue can contribute to problems with speech and swallowing.
Speech problems are quite common among people living with MS. They can happen at any stage and may range from mild to severe.
No matter the presentation of your MS, there are ways you can improve your speech. They range from therapeutic protocols to modern technology.
Speak slowly
It’s OK to take your time. Rely on others to be patient so you can speak as slowly as you need to.
Take it easy when you’re tired
Fatigue makes speech more difficult. If you’re feeling tired, it’s OK to choose to speak less.
Talk with your body
People don’t just communicate through speech. Remember, you can use gestures, eye contact, and facial expressions or refer to objects. These options reduce the stress of having to talk if you aren’t feeling up to it.
Type it out
Smartphones and other devices can be useful. You can text, email, or write out phrases. This can help you have longer conversations.
Work with a speech therapist
A speech-language pathologist is specifically trained to help people with speech challenges. They can offer many kinds of therapy, such as physical exercises to help improve word clarity and voice strength.
Use assistive devices
People who have more severe speech challenges can use amplifiers and text-to-voice devices. These make vocal sounds louder or speak on behalf of the individual.
Plan it out
Sometimes it can help to jot down what you plan to say before important conversations. It’s fine if you have to take notes with you to doctor’s appointments, for example.
Check in with others
Communication is a back-and-forth process. It’s fine to ask the person you’re talking to for confirmation that they understand what you’re saying. Most people are happy to repeat what you’ve said.
Speech problems usually come about as a result of other symptoms caused by MS, such as decreased coordination, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Managing MS and working collaboratively with your physician on a treatment plan can slow the progression of the condition. This, in turn, may reduce the potential for speech issues.
However, someone who does experience speech issues because of MS has many options to improve their experience.
Many people living with MS experience some changes in their speech. There are a number of ways you can improve your ability to communicate, from specific exercises to technology.
By working with your doctor, you can gain access to resources like speech therapists who may offer additional education and support.