A Novel Protocol Designed to Treat Spastic Dysarthria Secondary to Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Study

Abstract

Introduction Spastic dysarthria is a motor speech disorder produced by bilateral damage to the activation pathways of the central nervous system. Its speech characteristics reflect the effects of hypertonicity and weakness of the bulbar musculature in a way that slows movement and reduces range of motion and force. Perceptually, speech has a high-pitched, strained, hypernasal vocal quality with decreased intelligibility. Purpose The purpose is to present a case illustration describing the use of a novel treatment protocol to improve speech intelligibility in the presence of spastic dysarthria. Method An underlying framework, including principles of exercise, neuroplasticity, and motor learning with adjunctive biofeedback, is described. The protocol consisted of four sessions per week for 4 weeks with daily homework. Results The participant exhibited improvements in intelligibility, patient satisfaction, lingual, and jaw range of motion, nasality, and tongue strength. Conclusion The use of a novel protocol using biofeedback and incorporating principles of exercise science, neuroplasticity, and motor learning for the treatment of spastic dysarthria demonstrated positive outcomes.