Which communication disorder is most often linked with severe dysphagia?

Which communication disorder is most often linked with severe dysphagia?

• A. Aphasia
• B. Ataxic dysarthria
• C. Flaccid dysarthria
• D. Organic voice tremor

Answer: (C)

Severe dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing, is most commonly associated with flaccid dysarthria. This type of dysarthria is caused by damage to the lower motor neurons, leading to weakness or reduced muscle tone in the muscles responsible for speech and swallowing. Because the same muscles involved in articulation are also important for the mechanics of swallowing, individuals with flaccid dysarthria may experience significant dysphagia alongside their speech difficulties. In contrast, other conditions such as aphasia primarily affect language processing and do not inherently impact the physical act of swallowing. Ataxic dysarthria, which results from cerebellar damage, primarily affects speech rhythm and rate rather than swallowing mechanics. An organic voice tremor relates to involuntary movements of the vocal folds, which can affect vocal quality but isn’t typically associated with swallowing difficulties. Therefore, flaccid dysarthria is the most relevant choice in relation to severe dysphagia due to the direct involvement of muscle weakness impacting both speech and the swallowing process.

Severe dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing, is most commonly associated with flaccid dysarthria. This type of dysarthria is caused by damage to the lower motor neurons, leading to weakness or reduced muscle tone in the muscles responsible for speech and swallowing. Because the same muscles involved in articulation are also important for the mechanics of swallowing, individuals with flaccid dysarthria may experience significant dysphagia alongside their speech difficulties.

In contrast, other conditions such as aphasia primarily affect language processing and do not inherently impact the physical act of swallowing. Ataxic dysarthria, which results from cerebellar damage, primarily affects speech rhythm and rate rather than swallowing mechanics. An organic voice tremor relates to involuntary movements of the vocal folds, which can affect vocal quality but isn’t typically associated with swallowing difficulties. Therefore, flaccid dysarthria is the most relevant choice in relation to severe dysphagia due to the direct involvement of muscle weakness impacting both speech and the swallowing process.