4 Causes of Sudden Inability to Speak in Adults
Adult speech impairments often occur without warning and may not have an immediate noticeable cause. Symptoms may include suddenly mixing up or stumbling over words, slurring, and slowed or rapid speech. Diagnosing such issues is tricky since there are several possible causes of a sudden inability to speak.
Speech impairments caused by stress or anxiety are often temporary and require no treatment. In other cases, the symptoms should be taken seriously, especially when caused by head injuries and neurological conditions. Speech therapy is recommended for severe cases, offering vocal exercises and alternative communication options. Let’s take a closer look at possible causes for speaking difficulties.
When speaking problems occur, even if they are mild, it’s best to meet with your doctor to determine why it’s happening.
Main Causes of Sudden Inability to Speak
Numerous conditions include speech issues as part of their symptoms, including migraines and strokes. The symptoms vary with each one, so knowing what to look for may help with your diagnosis. The following are the most common causes of speaking impairments.
Neurological conditions
Neurological conditions have varying causes, including genetic disorders or abnormalities, infections, lifestyle choices, and brain, spinal, or nerve injuries. Several conditions fit into this category, such as migraines, epilepsy, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.
Treating the condition causing a sudden inability to speak often corrects the issue. In other cases, speech impairments are ongoing and may worsen over time. Your doctor will determine the proper course of action to improve communication.
Stroke and mini stroke
A stroke is the result of disrupted blood flow to the brain or bleeding in the brain. When one occurs, brain cells become damaged and quickly die. Immediate treatment is required to prevent severe symptoms, long-term damage, or death. The warning signs include speech issues, numbness, loss of balance, and vision problems.
Mini strokes, also known as transient ischemic attacks (TIA), are similar to strokes, though less dangerous. Though they often include the same issues, including speech impairment, they rarely cause permanent damage. Mini strokes are warning signs of future strokes, so if one occurs, seek medical attention immediately.
Stress and anxiety
A sudden inability to speak often occurs when individuals are stressed or anxious. Rapid or slowed speech, stuttering, and slurring are all possible symptoms. When speech is disrupted, stress or anxiety increases, worsening the symptoms. Affected speech is due to increased muscle tension, racing thoughts, panic attacks, dry mouth, and concentration difficulties.
Though such speech issues are frustrating, they aren’t permanent. As the hormones created during stressful situations leave the bloodstream, the body relaxes, and panic decreases. Speech returns to normal until the next anxiety-inducing event.
Brain injury
Falls, accidents, sports injuries, or brain tumors may affect brain functions. Though minor damage often heals quickly, severe injuries result in long-term issues. When the brain’s communication center is damaged, one possible side effect is a sudden inability to speak.
Symptoms include difficulty controlling volume, tone patterns, airflow, and the movement of the lips, tongue, and mouth. Slurred words may also result from brain injuries. Speech issues may be mild or severe, depending on the cause of the injury. Recovery depends on the extent of the damage and how well individuals respond to treatment.
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5502-aphasia
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/stroke#:~:text=A%20stroke%20can%20occur%20when,and%20nutrients%20from%20the%20blood.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/transient-ischemic-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20355679
https://www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/effects-of-brain-injury/communication-problems/speech-difficulties/
This article is for educational and informational purpose only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. For any questions about your own health condition, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
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