Does anyone else with MS experience speech impairments?
Yes, speech impairments are quite common with MS. In fact, about 40-76% of people with MS experience communication changes during their disease course, including speech difficulties.
The slurred speech you experienced is likely dysarthria, which affects about 40% of Show Full Answer
Does anyone else with MS experience speech impairments?
Yes, speech impairments are quite common with MS. In fact, about 40-76% of people with MS experience communication changes during their disease course, including speech difficulties.
The slurred speech you experienced is likely dysarthria, which affects about 40% of people with MS. It happens when MS lesions damage parts of the brain and brain stem that control the muscles used for speech.
Common speech issues include:
* Slurred speech
* Speaking too softly or difficulty controlling volume
* Nasal-sounding speech
* Long pauses between words
* Difficulty controlling pitch
* Stuttering or difficulty finding words
Many MyMSTeam members share similar experiences. One member wrote about "stuttering, not talking clearly, and being difficult to understand" during a meeting. Another mentioned, "I have problems with speech at night when I'm really tired. In the morning, my speech is back to normal."
Speech problems can come and go, worsen during flare-ups, or be affected by fatigue and stress. Some people find their symptoms are temporary during relapses, while others experience longer-lasting changes.
Consider asking your neurologist about a referral to a speech-language pathologist. They can help identify which muscles are affected and teach techniques like breath control exercises and speaking more slowly and clearly to improve communication.
November 7, 2025
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