Speech and Language Pathology (Speech Therapy)

• Stroke: This is a very common and sudden cause, with symptoms depending on the location and extent of brain damage (e.g., brainstem strokes often cause severe issues).
• Parkinson's Disease (PD): A progressive movement disorder in which a majority of patients experience speech (hypokinetic dysarthria, low volume, monotone) and swallowing difficulties as the disease advances.
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, this neurodegenerative condition progressively weakens the muscles involved in speech and swallowing due to motor neuron loss, eventually leading to severe impairment.
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This demyelinating disease can cause a range of symptoms including speech and swallowing problems, especially in progressive forms or if brainstem lesions are present.
• Dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease): Cognitive decline can eventually affect the coordination of muscles needed for speech and swallowing.
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Physical damage to the brain can impair the control centers and pathways for speech and swallowing.
• Myasthenia Gravis: A rare autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness and fatigue, which can affect the facial, mouth, and throat muscles, leading to slurred speech and difficulty swallowing.
• Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An inflammatory disorder of the peripheral nerves that can cause rapid onset of muscle weakness, potentially involving the bulbar muscles responsible for speech and swallowing.
• Huntington's Disease: A genetic disorder that can cause involuntary movements and affect speech and swallowing coordination.
• Brain Tumors: Tumors in the brain or neck region can cause symptoms by directly damaging or compressing the nerves and structures involved in speech and swallowing. 

Our speech therapists, composed of compassionate, board-certified speech therapists who have advanced training and years of experience treating communication and swallowing disorders can treat speech problems originating from disease or injury.

Speech therapists can help patients improve their ability to communicate and help them with tongue and throat disorders.

Language, speech, and swallowing disorders are commonly diagnosed in people with stroke, brain injury, lack of oxygen, tumors, birth defects, degenerative neurological diseases, and developmental problems.