Dysarthria is a disorder of speech while dysphasia is a disorder of language. Speech is the process of articulation and pronunciation. It involves the bulbar muscles and the physical ability to form words. Language is the process in which thoughts and ideas become spoken. It involves the selection of words to be spoken called semantics, and the formulation of appropriate sentences on phrases, called syntax. Strictly speaking, the words anarthria and aphasia means a total absence of ability  to form speech or language but they are often used when dysarthria and dysphasia would be more correct.

                Dysphasia can be receptive or expressive. Receptive dysphasia is difficult, in comprehension, while expressive dysphasia is difficulty in putting words together to make meaning. In reality there is usually considerable overlap of these conditions but a person who has pure dysarthria without dysphasia would be able to read and write normally and to make meaningful gesture, provided that the necessary motor pathways are intact. Inability to write is agraphia or dysgraphia if incomplete. Difficulty in reading is dyslexia.

                Dysarthria is caused by upper motor neuron lesion of the cerebral hemispheres or lower motor neuron lesion of the brain stem. It also results from disruption to the integrated action of upper motor neurons, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Speech and language therapy is required to assess and treat the bulbar and facial muscles. A program of exercises is develop to improve muscle tone and movement to match to individual’s needs. Be patient with a dysarthria person and try to make out what is being said. This encourages effort rather than opting out. If this fails, he may write or use an electronic communicator if he has one.

                Dysphasia on the other hand is impaired ability to understand or use the spoken word. It is due to a lesion of dominant hemisphere and may include impaired ability to read, write, and use gestures. The commonest cause is cerebrovascular disease but it can arise from a space occupying lesion, head injury, or dementia.

                Dysphasia can be seen as disruption in the links between thought and language. The diagnosis is made only after excluding sensory impairment ( agnosia ) cognitive impairment ( memory ) impaired movement ( aprasia ) or thougth disturbance, as in dementia or schlorophrensia. When testing for dysarthria and dyspharia, the patients ability to repeat or produce difficult phrases or tongue twister can be indicative and articulation but it is meaningless as they fail to comprehend what they are saying.

                People with receptive dysphasia  often have language that is fluent with normal rhythm  and articulation but it is meaningless as they fail to comprehend what they are saying. People with expressive dysphasia are not fluent and have difficulty forming words and sentences. There are grammatical errors and difficulty finding the  English word. In severe cases they do not speak spontaneously but they usually understand what is said to them.

REFERENCE:

                Jordan L.C. Hillis A. E Aphasia and Rigth Hemisphere Syndromes in Stroke Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2005 Nov; s (6): 456-64 ( Abstract )

                Howard L. Causes and Management of Dysphasia Br. J.Honp Med 1992 Sep. 16- Oct 6, #8 (6): 320-4 ( Abstract )

By: Ms. Shane P. Marquez | T- II | Sta. Rita High School, Tulio St. Tabacuhan St., Sta. Rita Olongapo City