4. Difficulty Speaking and Swallowing: The Obstacle to Communication and Nutrition
Dyskinetic cerebral palsy’s impact on the muscles isn’t limited to the limbs. It also affects the muscles involved in speech and swallowing. This can lead to symptoms such as dysarthria (difficulty speaking) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), which can pose significant challenges to communication and nutrition.
Dysarthria can make speech slurred, slow, and difficult to understand. This can affect individuals’ ability to communicate effectively, impacting their social interactions, educational progress, and employment opportunities.
On the other hand, dysphagia can make swallowing difficult, which can affect nutrition and hydration. It can also increase the risk of choking or developing a lung infection due to food or drink entering the airway (aspiration).
Speech and language therapy can help individuals improve their speech clarity, while occupational therapy can provide strategies and supports for managing swallowing difficulties. However, it’s important to remember that the effects of these symptoms extend far beyond the physical, impacting individuals’ social life, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. (4)
