Abstract
The definition, classification, anatomy, physiology, assessment and treatment of dysarthrias are described from a neurologist's perspective. Dysarthria is usually classified by the level of impairment to the motor systems which consist of the central nervous system, the peripheral nervous sysytem and the muscular system. The central nervous system is involved in voluntary movements and has three subsystems: the pyramidal, the extrapyramidal and the cerebellar systems. In addition to these sysytems, sensory feedback systems play a significant role in speech production. The speech symptomatology caused by a lesion involving each system is described with contrasting motor and sensory symptomatology. Dysarthria is usually assessed from two points of view, one from the patient's speech characteristics, the other from his or her motor and sensory functions of speech organs. Finally some treatment approaches for dysarthrias including pharmacotherapy are suggested.
