Unclear speaking in which sounds run together and words are hard to make out, often as a warning sign of intoxication, injury, stroke, or a neurological condition.
The paramedics noted slurred speech and facial drooping as possible signs of a stroke.
The nurse documented slurred speech along with confusion and poor balance.
The neurologist asked when the slurred speech first appeared.
Speech therapy helped reduce the slurred speech after the stroke.
Fatigue made his slurred speech more noticeable late in the day.
Similar words
unclear speech
garbled speech
poor articulation
mumbled speech
slurring
indistinct speech
Meanings
Unclear speech with blended sounds
medical
neutral
Speech in which sounds run together and words become hard to understand, often because alcohol, illness, injury, tiredness, or a neurological problem affects control of the mouth and voice.
Examples
The paramedics noted slurred speech and facial drooping as possible signs of a stroke.
His slurred speech made the officer suspect alcohol intoxication.
After the head injury, sudden slurred speech sent her back to the emergency room.
The neurologist asked when the slurred speech first appeared.
Speech therapy helped reduce the slurred speech after the stroke.
Fatigue made his slurred speech more noticeable late in the day.
The nurse documented slurred speech along with confusion and poor balance.
Similar words
unclear speech
garbled speech
mumbled speech
indistinct speech
slurring
poor articulation
Etymology
From slur, whose speech sense developed from the idea of sounds sliding or running together, joined with speech.
FAQ
What does slurred speech mean?
Slurred speech means speech where sounds run together and words are difficult to understand.
What can cause slurred speech?
Common causes include alcohol intoxication, stroke, head injury, tiredness, medicines, and neurological conditions that affect speech muscles.
Is slurred speech always caused by alcohol?
No. Alcohol can cause it, but sudden or unexplained slurred speech can also point to stroke, brain injury, or dysarthria.
Is slurred speech the same as dysarthria?
Not exactly. Dysarthria is a medical speech disorder, and slurred speech is one common way it can sound.
How is slurred speech different from a slur?
A slur is an insulting remark. Slurred speech is unclear pronunciation, usually from impaired control of speaking.
When is slurred speech an emergency?
Sudden slurred speech, especially with facial drooping, arm weakness, confusion, or head injury, can be a medical emergency.
Can therapy help slurred speech?
Speech and language therapy may help, depending on the cause and severity of the slurred speech.
Can stress or fatigue make slurred speech worse?
Yes. Stress or tiredness can make unclear speech more noticeable in some conditions, especially dysarthria.
Comments & contributions
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Contribution
Glad Ferret
Jul 4
for listeners, dont fake understanding. Repeat the bit you caught, then ask yes/no questions. Saves the person from restarting the whole sentence 5 times
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Perky Gull
Jun 29
Some meds can do this too, especially drugs that slow the nervous system or affect muscle control. If the slurring started right after a dose change, that timing is not random background info, tell the doctor.
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Sable Hamster
Jun 29
Dysarthria and aphasia get mixed up a lot. Dysarthria is more like the words are there but the mouth, tongue, breathing, etc wont cooperate. Aphasia is the language side, losing words or not understanding them.
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Fond Raccoon
Jun 25
Not always alcohol. Low blood sugar can give the same drunk-sounding slur.
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Perky Pony
Jun 17
the temporary version is the one people shrug off. Someone can slur for ten minutes, sound normal again, and still need urgent stroke or TIA checks. FAST is not a bingo card, one sudden sign is enough to call the local emergency number.