Treatment of dysarthria

Dysarthria is a speech disorder that manifests itself in early childhood. Let's look at the causes of the disorder, effective treatment methods and prevention.

More and more often, parents are faced with the diagnosis of dysarthria in children. The disease occurs when there is a low supply of nerve endings to tissues due to damage to the subcortical or posterior frontal part of the brain. Nerves are responsible for the connection between the central nervous system and the speech apparatus, any disruptions in their functioning cause problems. With this disorder, there is limited mobility of the speech organs (lips, tongue, soft palate), which significantly complicates pronunciation.

The disease has 3 degrees of severity:

• Mild (easy) - patients are no different from their peers, but quickly get tired under increased loads. In addition, they have problems pronouncing sounds (hissing, whistling). This degree is best treated.
• Typical (average) – clear speech disorders.
• Anarthria (severe) – despite the functioning of organs and the presence of knowledge, the child cannot speak normally, there is no intelligible speech.

As a rule, dysarthria appears due to complications during pregnancy, i.e. disorders in fetal development. But there are a number of diseases that can provoke the disorder: organic lesions of the central nervous system and brain, prematurity, cerebral palsy, intrauterine infections, incompatibility of the Rh factors of mother and child, birth injuries, meningitis, encephalitis and other diseases suffered at an early age.

The symptoms of the pathology appear in early childhood, so parents can suspect the disease themselves. The child's pronunciation is impaired, the voice, rhythm and melody of speech are lost. Due to poorly developed articulatory muscles, the tongue may hang out when the mouth is open, the lips do not close or, on the contrary, are tightly compressed. The child has increased salivation, when talking, it seems that he speaks through the nose (without signs of sinusitis and other lesions of the nasopharynx). Sounds in words are distorted, omitted or replaced by others.

Since the disease is directly related to disorders of the brain and central nervous system, a thorough examination is necessary at the first pathological signs. As a rule, diagnostics are carried out in a hospital setting. The child is examined by a speech therapist and a neurologist, doctors study the specifics of the disorders in his development and the general psychoneurological condition.

Based on the results of the study, the doctor determines one of the forms of the disease, which depends on the affected area of the brain:

• Bulbar – occurs due to local paralysis of the muscles involved in articulation. Accompanied by difficulty swallowing.
• Cerebellar - due to damage to the cerebellum, speech becomes stretched out with different tones and changing volume.
• Extrapyramidal - disorders in the subcortical nodes provoke slurred, slurred, nasal speech. There may be problems with facial expressions due to facial muscles.
• Cortical - due to damage to the parts of the cerebral cortex that are responsible for the muscles of articulation, the child pronounces syllables incorrectly, but the general structure of the words is preserved.
• Pseudobulbar dysarthria is characterized by monotony of speech and occurs due to central muscle paralysis.
• Erased - incorrect pronunciation of whistling and hissing sounds.
• Cold is one of the signs of a neuromuscular disorder, that is, myasthenia. Speech disorders occur due to a change in temperature in the place where the baby is.
• Parkinsonian - slow and inexpressive speech. It is a symptom of Parkinsonism.

The earlier violations are identified, the greater the chances of restoring normal functioning of the speech apparatus.

Treatment of dysarthria in children

Speech apparatus disorder refers to diseases associated with disorders of the central nervous system and brain. Treatment of dysarthria in children involves a comprehensive approach. The child undergoes therapeutic and pedagogical therapy, which consists of the following methods:

• Speech therapy

A speech therapist develops all aspects of children's speech: grammatical structure, vocabulary, phonetic hearing. In specialized kindergartens and schools, there are correctional speech groups in which children develop conversational communication skills. Therapy uses play-based correction methods, which allows for the rapid elimination of identified defects.

• Therapeutic physical culture

Special articulation gymnastics is aimed at strengthening the child's facial muscles. The patient undergoes point and speech therapy massage.

• Drug therapy

Most often, children are prescribed nootropics. Medicines from this group affect higher brain functions, improve mental activity and memory, stimulate cognitive, intellectual skills, and facilitate the learning process. The drugs used are: Encephabol, Hopantenic acid, Phenibut, Cortexin.

The outcome of dysarthria and its prognosis depend on the severity and results of complex therapy. Since the disease causes irreversible disorders, the main goal of treatment is the formation of speech for normal communication and life in society.

Drug treatment of dysarthria

A comprehensive approach is used to eliminate speech apparatus defects, but drug treatment deserves special attention. Dysarthria very often appears against the background of other pathologies of the nervous system. Medicines are selected by a psychoneurologist taking into account all diagnoses. There are no drugs intended for the treatment of dysarthria directly, so children are prescribed symptomatic drugs. They relieve the signs of the disease and alleviate the patient's condition.

The following medications can be used for drug treatment of dysarthria:

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Nootropics

1. Encephabol

Normalizes decreased metabolic processes in brain tissue. The active substance is pyritinol. Its action is based on increasing the capture and utilization of glucose, accelerating the metabolism of nucleic acids, increasing the release of acetylcholine in synapses. Tablets and suspension improve cholinergic neuronal transmission.

• Prescribed for symptomatic therapy of chronic disorders of brain functions and dementia syndrome. Encephabol is effective in cases of thinking and memory disorders, increased fatigue, decreased intellectual performance and affective disorders.
• It is intended for oral use, as it is available in tablet and suspension form. The medicine is taken during or after meals. The dosage and duration of therapy are selected for each patient individually.
• Nootrop is contraindicated for patients with intolerance to pyritinol and other active components. It is used with special caution in kidney and liver diseases, acute forms of autoimmune pathologies.
• Side effects are rare, as the drug is well tolerated. But in some cases, the following symptoms appear: nausea, vomiting, cholestasis, bowel disorders, headaches, sleep disorders, changes in the blood system, allergic reactions.
• When taking high doses, overdose symptoms appear - pronounced side effects. There is no specific antidote, so symptomatic therapy and gastric lavage are used for treatment.

2. Pantocalcin

Affects the GABA-b-receptor-channel complex, contains hopantenic acid and calcium salt. Affects the serotonin, dopamine, neurotransmitter and other systems. Has an anticonvulsant, nootropic effect, accelerates metabolism at the cellular level, preventing the development of hypoxia.

• Prescribed for the treatment of children from the first days of life. The main indications for use: neuroses, cerebral palsy, delayed or impaired mental/psychic development, seizures, oligophrenia, perinatal encephalopathy, stuttering, epilepsy. The drug is effective in organic brain damage and cognitive impairment. It helps to cope with increased physical and psycho-emotional stress, decreased performance, as well as impaired concentration and memory problems.
• The dosage depends on the patient's age and the severity of dysarthria. As a rule, children are prescribed 100-250 mg 2-3 times a day, the course of treatment is from 1 to 4 months. In case of overdose, increased side effects are observed. Symptomatic therapy is used for treatment.
• Main side effects: allergic reactions, development of drowsiness, headaches. Pantocalcin is prohibited for use in case of intolerance to the active components and severe renal dysfunction.

3. Picamilon

Nootropic and vascular agent for improving mental activity and memory. Its active ingredients are nicotinic acid and GABA molecules.

• The tablets are prescribed for cerebrovascular disorders, increased irritability, vegetative-vascular dystonia, increased mental and physical stress. Single dose 20-50 mg 2-3 times a day, course of therapy 1-2 months.
• It is not used to treat patients with acute and chronic kidney disease, as well as hypersensitivity to active substances. Side effects are rare, but usually include increased agitation, irritability, allergic reactions and headaches. To eliminate them, it is necessary to reduce the dosage and consult a doctor.

Vascular

1. Cinnarizine

The pharmacological agent blocks membrane calcium channels and suppresses the flow of calcium ions into cells. Improves cerebral, cardiac and peripheral blood circulation. Increases tissue resistance to hypoxia. Has an antispasmodic effect. Due to its antihistamine activity, it reduces the excitability of the vestibular apparatus.

• Indications for use: cerebrovascular accidents, atherosclerosis, craniocerebral trauma. The tablets are prescribed for migraines, to reduce spasms of peripheral vessels, Raynaud's disease and Meniere's disease.
• The medicine is taken before meals, with plenty of liquid. As a rule, patients are prescribed 1 capsule 1-3 times a day, the duration of treatment is from several weeks to several months.
• Side effects are possible in case of overdose or taking the product with intolerance to its active components. In this case, increased drowsiness, gastrointestinal disorders, dry mouth occur.

2. Instenon

Available in tablets and capsules. Active ingredients: hexobendine, etamivan and etofylline. The medication improves cerebral circulation, has an inotropic, bronchodilatory and diuretic effect.

• Indications for use: acute cerebrovascular accidents, vegetative-vascular dystonia, cerebrovascular insufficiency, post-traumatic encephalopathy. Patients are prescribed 1-2 pills 2-3 times a day or 1-2 injections.
• The drug is contraindicated in cases of increased intracranial pressure, epilepsy and intracerebral hemorrhage. Overdose causes side effects: tachycardia, headaches, facial hyperemia.

3. Gliatilin

Neuroprotector, contains choline alfoscerate, which after entering the body is broken down into glycerophosphate and choline. The pharmacological composition affects neurotransmission, participates in the synthesis of membrane phospholipid. Improves cerebral circulation, transmission of impulses in cholinergic neurons, has a positive effect on the elasticity of nerve cell membranes. Active components stimulate metabolic processes, due to which consciousness is restored in traumatic brain damage.

• Indications for use: involutional, degenerative psychoorganic syndromes, cerebrovascular insufficiency, disorders of mnestic functions, emotional lability, excessive irritability. Gliatilin is effective in complex therapy of the acute phase of craniocerebral injuries, comatose states.
• It is available in the form of capsules for oral administration and ampoules for injections. Tablets are taken before meals with water. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the attending physician. Ampoules are used for intramuscular and intravenous drip injections.
• Side effects are rare. In some cases, nausea and vomiting, epigastric pain, and confusion are possible. Overdose symptoms manifest as increased side effects. There is no antidote, gastric lavage and dose adjustment are recommended. The drug is contraindicated for patients with intolerance to alfoscerate, choline, or other components. It is not used to treat pregnant women and children under 18 years of age.

Sedatives

1. Novo-passit

Combined herbal medicine. Has a calming and anti-anxiety effect. Relaxes smooth muscles, relieves mental stress.

• Prescribed for the treatment and prevention of mild forms of neurasthenia, sleep disorders, absent-mindedness, memory impairment, mental exhaustion. Helps with severe nervous experiences, headaches, migraines. Has a therapeutic effect on functional diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, vegetative-vascular dystonia, skin diseases.
• The medicine is available in vials with a solution for oral administration. The dosage is selected by the doctor, as is the duration of therapy. As a rule, 3-5 ml is taken 2-3 times a day. In case of overdose, attacks of nausea and vomiting, headaches, muscle weakness and convulsions appear.
• Contraindicated for use in case of hypersensitivity to active components, organic gastrointestinal disorders, for children under 12 years of age.

2. Persen

A preparation based on plant extracts with a sedative effect. It has a calming effect, improves mood, relieves anxiety and irritability. Helps with sleep disorders, has an antispasmodic effect.

• Indications for use: neuroses of varying severity, vegetative-vascular dystonia, insomnia, psychoemotional disorders, attention and memory disorders. Contraindicated for use in children under 3 years of age and in case of intolerance to the active components.
• The medicine is produced in the form of tablets for oral use. The doctor prescribes 1-3 tablets 2-3 times a day, the duration of treatment is individual. In case of overdose, nausea, vomiting, pain in the epigastrium, hand tremors appear. Side effects are rare and manifest themselves in the form of constipation.

Metabolic

1. Actovegin

Activates and accelerates metabolism, increases energy resources at the cellular level. It is used for cerebral circulatory insufficiency, oxygen starvation of the brain, craniocerebral trauma, angiopathy, ulcers, bedsores, corneal damage and many other pathological conditions.

The form of the drug, dosage and duration of treatment depend on the doctor's recommendations. The drug is available in tablets, ampoules for injections, in the form of a gel and ointment for external use. Children are prescribed 1-2 pills 2-3 times a day or 1-2 injections per day. In case of overdose, allergic reactions on the skin, increased sweating, increased body temperature, a feeling of blood flow are possible.

2. Cerebrolysate

A nootropic psychostimulant, made from bovine brain tissue. It contains biologically active peptides and free amino acids. The active components stimulate metabolism in brain cells, increase the resistance of brain tissue to toxins, glucose deficiency and oxygen starvation. Restores integrative processes in the central nervous system, increases concentration and facilitates the assimilation of information.

• Used only as prescribed by a doctor. Most often, the drug is used in complex therapy of cerebrovascular disorders, mechanical brain damage, neuropathy, encephalopathy, cerebral palsy, attention deficit and radiculopathy. Contraindicated for use in pregnant women, epilepsy, neurological diseases, allergies.
• Cerebrolysate is produced in the form of ampoules with a solution for intramuscular injection. The dosage is selected by the doctor, taking into account the child's weight and indications. As a rule, 1-2 ml is taken intramuscularly for 1-2 weeks with a repeated course 2-3 times a year.
• Side effects include pain, irritation, redness and swelling at the injection site. Increased blood pressure and allergic reactions are possible.

The doctor selects medications that completely or partially eliminate the symptoms of the disorder. In addition to the above-described medications, the following have proven themselves to be effective in the treatment of dysarthria: Cerebrocurin, Piracetam, Finlepsin. All children are required to be prescribed Magne B6 and medications that relieve vascular spasms.

Since the disease is associated with disorders of the brain, it is very difficult to predict the results of drug treatment. But therapy at early stages allows achieving good results.

Treatment of dysarthria at home

Speech apparatus disorders require the right medical approach in choosing methods for their restoration. In addition to drug therapy, home treatment of dysarthria is very important. Regardless of the child's age and the degree of the disease, it is recommended to carry out exercise therapy, massages, breathing exercises and speech therapy exercises.

Let's take a closer look at the possibilities of self-treatment of dysarthria:

1. Physiotherapy

Exercises help develop general motor skills. They should be done regularly for at least 20-30 minutes a day. A small warm-up complex is suitable for classes:

• In a standing position, legs together, arms to the sides, you need to perform torso turns.
• In a horizontal position, arms along the body, take a deep breath and simultaneously raise your legs and head, without lifting your body off the floor.
• Starting position: kneeling, hands on your waist. Inhale and bend back, exhale forward.

Each exercise must be performed 10-15 times.

2. Breathing exercises

This set of exercises is compiled by a doctor and depends on the form and degree of the disease. Let's consider the classic breathing technique, which can be used for all forms of the disorder:

• The child closes his mouth and 1 nostril. Inhale through the second nostril, and on exhalation it is necessary to hum. Perform on both nostrils.
• Ask your child to blow balloons or soap bubbles, and inhale gently through the nose.
• Ask your baby to blow on the table, lips should form a tube shape and cheeks should puff out.

3. The speech therapy complex is developed by a doctor and is aimed at stimulating articulatory and general motor skills, developing correct breathing, developing memory, attention, and auditory perception.
4. Massage.

The massage should be done very carefully so as not to cause pain or spasms. It is recommended to use several techniques:

Lips

• Gently massage the upper and lower parts of the lips and the corners with two fingers.
• Make spiral and wave-like movements on the upper and lower lips.
• Pinch and stroke both lips.

Sky

• Using the tongue, the child should move along the palate from the front incisors to the middle of the mouth.
• With tapping movements from the incisors to the middle of the palate.
• With circular, wave-like, stroking movements from the incisors to the palate.

Language

• Stroking the tongue in a spiral.
• Patting and pinching from end to middle.

It is recommended to perform all exercises 5-7 times. These techniques are aimed at stimulating and relaxing the speech organs. The main treatment measures can be combined with reflexology and physiotherapy.

Treatment of dysarthria is a long process. But with the right and timely approach, it allows you to restore the impaired functions so that the sick child does not differ in his or her development from his or her peers. If the disease is left to its own devices, it will lead to social problems, deprive the possibility of normal communication, affect relationships with friends and family. In the future, it can lead to depressive disorders and isolation from others.