Speech motor rehabilitation in opercular syndrome: a case study

Anterior Opercular Syndrome, or Foix-Chavany-Marie Syndrome (FCMS), is a rare pseudobulbar palsy that severely impacts speech and swallowing due to orofacial muscle weakness. Limited research exists on therapeutic approaches targeting motor speech deficits in this condition.

This case study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of speech based oromotor exercises in improving speech intelligibility and oromotor control in a 20-year-old male with FCMS.

A personalized therapy regimen emphasizing the strength and mobility of jaw, lip, and tongue and exercises to improve intraoral pressure was implemented thrice weekly over three weeks. Progress was systematically recorded using the domains of Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment.

Steady improvements in articulatory precision, speech clarity, and specific oromotor functions were observed, with significant gains in intelligibility was observed. However, slow progress was noted in tongue lateralization and intraoral pressure.

This study demonstrates the potential of structured speech-based oromotor therapy to enhance speech outcomes in FCMS, offering a foundation for further research into targeted therapeutic models for this rare condition.