Scanning speech is an abnormal speech pattern involving long, abnormal pauses between words or syllables.
It occurs as a result of muscle weakness.
The problem often happens withmultiple sclerosis (MS).
Solskin / Verywell Health
Scanning speech changes the normal flow and pattern of speech.
This change in speech rhythm makes it hard to understand a person with this problem.
There is no cure for scanning speech.
This article discusses scanning speech, its causes, and treatment.
Solskin / Verywell Health
What Is Scanning Speech?
Scanning speech is a punch in ofdysarthria, a speech problem related to the muscles that control speech.
Scanning speech results in the inability to achieve proper word formation and speech rhythm.
Long, unnecessary pauses interrupt the normal flow of speech, breaking up sentences or words.
When it occurs with MS, it can also involve slurred speech.
This problem makes it hard to communicate.
A person with scanning speech can say the words in a sentence or thought.
Damage often occurs due to the formation oflesionson the cerebellum, a common effect of MS. Damage to the cerebellum can be present at birth or occur later in life.
Problems like scanning speech and other dysarthrias result and make communication difficult.
Scanning speech is just one of the speech issues linked to MS.
Speech issues in MS are typically classified as forms of dysarthria ordysphonia.
Factors such as the degree of nerve damage mean that every person has different needs.
Summary
Scanning speech is a common speech problem.
It involves the use of unnecessary pauses between words or syllables.
It can also involve voice tremors or the uneven emphasis of words or phrases.
The problem triggers when the cerebellum is damaged.
This can occur from lesions, injury, or diseases of the nervous system.
It is commonly linked with MS.
Scanning speech can be a challenge for those who have it.
Being unable to speak clearly can be lonely.
While there are no cures, there are ways to manage the problem and improve speech.
Speech therapy and drugs to relieve common MS symptoms can increase speech control and quality.
In addition, assistive devices and smartphone apps can often replace the need for flawless speech.
A Word From Verywell
Living with scanning speech can affect your quality of life.
It can be isolating to know that it’s possible for you to’t always communicate clearly.
When combined with the other challenges MS can cause, the onset of scanning speech can feel overwhelming.
It’s important to know that you’re not alone in dealing with this problem.
Many people living with MS deal with some pop in of speech disorder.
Aspeech-language pathologistcan also help you strengthen damaged muscles and recommend technologies that can help others understand you better.
Don’t be afraid to let others know about your challenges in speaking clearly.
This can prepare your listener for the types of problems that may arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Multiple sclerosis can affect the different muscles used in speaking.
It can also damage the brain stem, the area that connects the spinal cord and brain.
These problems make it hard to speak normally, even when the brain knows the right words to say.
Scanning speech usually involves unnecessary pauses between words or syllables.
It can sometimes involve slurring, which can complicate the condition.
While both disorders can interfere with normal speech, the two conditions produce different problems.
Scanning speech results in long, unnecessary pauses between words or syllables.
Stuttering causes the repetition or stretching out of a sound.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Speech problems.
Multiple Sclerosis Society of America.Speech difficulties.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).Dysarthria.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.Dysarthria in multiple sclerosis.
