When to go to the ER: Slurred Speech
Speaking, as per the subject matter experts over at frontlineer.com, is actually controlled by a number of body parts and organs and not just the mouth and tongue. These include the vocal cords and the larynx, which is also known as the voice box, all of which, together with the aforementioned mouth and tongue and their muscles, work with the nervous system and the brain to enable us to speak. Given that there are a number of organs and body parts involved, issues in either of them may lead to difficulties speaking, like slurred speech. Slurred speech, also known as dysarthria in medical circles, is a symptom characterized by a change in speed or rhythm when speaking, mumbling as well as a poor pronunciation of words. From its definition, it is clear that slurred speech is a symptom rather than a condition in itself and is therefore an indicator of an underlying issue. Slurred speech may be a result of a number of issues, some of which are life-threatening and therefore it is important to know when you should go to the ER for the same, something this article, with the help of the subject matter experts over at frontlineer.com, will look to help with.
Slurred speech is one of the symptoms of a stroke and therefore if you are experiencing slurred speech accompanied by signs of a stroke, you should call 911 and have yourself taken to the ER, like the excellent frontlineer.com, as soon as possible. If you are experiencing sudden onset slurred speech accompanied by weakness and numbness on one side of your body, then you should definitely call 911 so that you can be taken to the ER as soon as possible. This may be paralysis on one side of your body or drooping of your face on one side, which as per the gurus over at frontlineer.com, should be taken very seriously. Other signs of a stroke include issues with coordination and balance, a sudden onset and severe headache, changes in vision such as blurred, double or even complete loss of vision, changes in personality such as confusion, delirium among others, drooping of one of your arms when you try to lift them over your head incontinence among others as discussed in detail over at the highly rated frontlineer.com. Remember, if you are experiencing signs of a stroke, the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of a positive outcome since the more time goes by, the more damage is done to your brain cells.
Slurred speech accompanied by seizures should also be taken very seriously and should definitely lead to a visit to the ER as soon as possible to be assessed and attended to. As per discussions on the same over at the highly rated frontlineer.com, seizures are a sign that there is something wrong in your brain and as such should be treated with the seriousness it deserves. We all know that some level of slurred speech is to be expected when dealing with alcohol intoxication. If you have ever been around someone who is drunk, then you know that it may be hard to understand sometimes what they are saying. However, severe slurred speech accompanied by other signs that indicate alcohol poisoning should lead to the affected person being taken to the ER as soon as possible. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include slow or irregular breathing, low body temperature where you touch someone and they are extremely cold to the touch, the skin turning pale or blue, a loss of consciousness where you are unable to rouse the affected person among others as discussed in detail over at frontlineer.com. Alcohol poisoning is not the same as being drunk and it is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention by taking the affected person to the ER.
Slurred which comes about as a result of trauma to the head, mouth or as a result of whiplash should also be taken very seriously. These may result to traumatic brain injuries such as concussions or even injuries to the nerves that serve the organs which facilitate speech, as discussed over at frontlineer.com. Other than slurred speech, some of the red flags to look out for as far as traumatic brain injuries like concussions are concerned include a severe headache after that trauma, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, issues with balance and coordination, changes in vision such as blurred and double vision as well as loss of consciousness even if it is just momentary. Slurred speech which develops after such trauma should always lead to a visit to the ER as soon as possible. If the slurred speech is accompanied by numbness and a tingling sensation in your face or mouth, then it may indicate injury to the nerves servicing the body parts that facilitate speech and you should also head over to the ER, like the highly rated frontlineer.com, as soon as you can.
As is always the case, there is more to be uncovered on this and other related topics over at the highly rated frontlineer.com so make sure you check them out.
