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Lip and tongue function differently affected in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
Lena Hartelius1, Malin Lillvik
1Department of Logopedics and Phoniatrics, Hälsovetenskapligt centrum, Box 452, Göteborg University, S-405 30 Göteborg, Sweden. lena.hartelius@logopedi.gu.se
Summary
Tongue function is more severely impacted than lip function in multiple sclerosis (MS). Early detection of tongue dysfunction via clinical tests is crucial for timely therapeutic intervention in MS patients.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) can cause dysarthria, affecting speech production.
- Understanding the specific impact on oral motor functions like lip and tongue movement is vital for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lip and tongue function in individuals with MS, both with and without dysarthria.
- To identify early clinical signs of articulatory dysfunction in MS.
Main Methods:
- Clinical dysarthria testing of lip and tongue function.
- Comparison of test scores between MS subgroups (dysarthric and non-dysarthric) and control subjects.
- Correlation analysis with neurological deficit and disease progression.
Main Results:
- Tongue function impairment was significantly greater than lip function impairment in MS patients.
- Subclinical tongue dysfunction was evident in non-dysarthric MS individuals compared to controls.
- Rapid alternating movements (diadochokinesis) were more affected than range/force movements in dysarthric MS patients.
Conclusions:
- Clinical and subclinical tongue dysfunction is detectable in MS using dysarthria tests.
- Tongue dysfunction serves as an early indicator of articulatory issues in MS.
- Targeting tongue dysfunction early in therapy is recommended for MS patients.