7. The Emergence of Speech Difficulties: An Unanticipated Symptom of HIBM
Speech difficulties can emerge as a symptom in the as the disease begins to affect the muscles involved in speech production. This symptom is often unexpected and can significantly impact communication and social interaction for those affected by HIBM.
Speech is a complex mechanism involving precise coordination of several muscle groups, including those in the throat, mouth, tongue, and respiratory system. As HIBM progresses, the muscle weakness can extend to these areas, resulting in speech difficulties. This might start subtly with a slight slurring of speech, slow or effortful speech, or changes in voice quality, gradually progressing to more pronounced speech impairment.
Speech difficulties can have profound implications on an individual’s social interactions and emotional well-being. Difficulty communicating can lead to feelings of frustration and social isolation.
It’s crucial for those experiencing these changes to discuss them with their healthcare providers, who can provide access to speech and language therapy services. These services can offer strategies to enhance speech, alternative communication methods, and support to manage the emotional impacts of these changes. (7)
