Slurred speech involves unclear, distorted pronunciation, difficulty controlling the lips, tongue, or muscles involved in articulation. This condition is common in young children during language development.

Doctor Pham Thi Son, a specialist in Neurology - Stroke at Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic, states that sudden slurred speech, difficulty articulating, or tongue-tied speech in adults can signal dangerous medical conditions. This process requires precise coordination among the brain, cranial nerves, facial muscles, tongue, larynx, and respiratory system. Damage to any of these structures can lead to sudden slurred speech.

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or weakness on one side of the face lasting a few minutes to less than 24 hours, then resolving on its own, can be symptoms of a transient ischemic attack. This occurs when a blood clot or atherosclerotic plaque temporarily blocks blood flow to the brain.

When the brain region controlling language lacks oxygen, the patient's speech function is briefly affected. Doctor Son notes that even if symptoms resolve on their own, patients should seek medical attention to rule out the risk of stroke following a transient ischemic attack.

Stroke

Sudden slurred speech is a typical sign of a brain stroke. When a brain blood vessel is blocked or ruptures, brain areas controlling language, facial muscle movement, and pharyngeal muscles can be damaged. This makes it difficult for patients to articulate, speak clearly, or form complete sentences.

Stroke is a medical emergency. Patients need to be taken to the hospital within the "golden hour" for treatment to avoid the risk of death or severe complications after recovery.

Doctors and nurses providing emergency care for a stroke patient. Photo illustration: Tam Anh Cau Giay General Clinic

Facial nerve palsy

The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) controls facial muscles, participating in facial expressions, eye closure, smiling, and assisting with articulation. When this nerve is damaged due to viral infection, cold exposure, or other neurological conditions, patients may experience facial distortion, asymmetry, a deviated philtrum, inability to close their eyes completely, and slurred speech.

Brain tumor

Some tumors developing from cranial nerves or neural structures in the head, face, and neck can compress nerves controlling facial muscle movement, the tongue, or the larynx. This results in slurred speech, difficulty speaking, or changes in voice.

Brain tumors compressing or affecting normal brain activity can cause slurred speech, difficulty speaking, persistent headaches, nausea, memory loss, behavioral changes, limb weakness, or seizures.

Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar is common in people with diabetes, those on extreme diets, or those who have injected too much insulin. Patients may experience slurred speech accompanied by confusion, hand tremors, and sweating.

Doctor Son adds that conditions like myasthenia gravis or polyradiculoneuropathy can cause slurred speech or difficulty speaking, but these progress gradually, not suddenly.

Individuals experiencing abnormal slurred speech should visit a multispecialty hospital with neurology, imaging diagnostics, and rehabilitation departments for a comprehensive evaluation.

Methods such as neurological examination, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, vascular ultrasound, or specialized tests help identify the cause. From there, doctors develop personalized treatment plans to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve quality of life.

Thanh Long