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I Have Dysarthria , Only When I Eat. I've Also

Posted on Mon, 6 May 2019

Question: I have Dysarthria, only when I eat. I've also begun having trouble swallowing. I had a stroke in 2010, it did not affect my speech, and I recovered and went back to work. I retired last year at 70.

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A bit more information needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello there,

I can understand your concern.

However, I need a bit more information regarding your present condition in order to better understand and give you an informed opinion.

Please answer these following questions for me:

Were you diagnosed with dysarthria by a doctor?
Please describe your speech trouble in more detail.

Please elaborate on your trouble swallowing. Do you have problems swallowing liquids, solids or both?

What do you mean by “dysarthria only when I eat”? Do you feel like food is stuck in your chest?

I will be waiting for this information.

Take care
Kind regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)

Most of the time I can speak easily. But after I've begun to eat my mouth begins to feel like I've been to the dentist and had a shot of novacaine--my tongue will not move properly to form the words. When I'm eating it feels like it's difficult to swallow mostly the solid foods, it feels as if I attempted to swallow a second bite it would not be possible. Twice now,though, I've taken a drink that has triggered a coughing spell that forced a surprising amount of liquid up through my nose and mouth.

I have not been to a doctor about this yet.

Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (2 days later)

Brief Answer:
Further investigation needed

Detailed Answer:

The problem you are experiencing could be due to various causes, which yields further investigation.
Based on the information you have provided, I am more inclined to think of a neurological cause. Vitamin B12 deficiency seems like a probable cause. Both diabetes and low blood sugar may be the culprits. Another possible cause may be certain medications you may be taking.

So I would urge you to do a complete blood count test, B12 vitamin level, thyroid hormone levels, blood glucose levels and a urine test. I also recommend a visit with a neurologist to exclude nerve and brain related causes.

I hope this helps with your concerns. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad