Motor speech disorders: a clinical approach

Disorders of motor speech may result from impairments in basic motor control systems similar to those causing motor disturbances of the trunk and extremities. Dysarthria and dyspraxia are two distinct disorders of motor speech which differ in both pathologic localization and clinical presentation. These motor speech disorders must be clearly differentiated from other linguistic disorders which result from brain damage. A clear understanding of the relationship among basic neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, neuropathology, and functional clinical assessment will provide the clinician with valuable diagnostic information. This should lead to early referral to the speech pathologist for appropriate management.