HomeAnswersInternal MedicinestrokeWhat causes slurred speech in a paralyzed person?

May I know the reason for slurred speech in a paralyzed person?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 7, 2016
Reviewed AtFebruary 26, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My dad has been paralyzed for three years now. He was fine, but suddenly his speech is not clear. We cannot understand what he says. May I know why this has happened?

Answered by Dr. Talal Hussain

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Paralyzed patients have a tendency to get stroke when they have already had it.
    • This could be a recurrence of stroke and the patient should be taken to a hospital as a CT scan without contrast needs to be done to know if he has again developed a stroke.
      • If he has had a stroke again, then the type of stroke also will be identified by the CT scan. The patient will also be evaluated for the risk factors of stroke like high blood pressure and have to be managed accordingly.
        • If the patient is not completely oriented, then it could be other causes also like some severe infection. It can also be due to fever or severe dehydration as patients are not able to convey their needs properly.
          • So, I would advise to visit the hospital and get a few investigations done.

The Probable causes

1. Previous stroke. 2. Modifiable risk factors like hypertension, hypercoagulable status. 3. Infection due to UTI (urinary tract infection) or bed sores.

Investigations to be done

Blood complete profile, CT scan without contrast, renal function test, liver function test and serum electrolytes.

Differential diagnosis

1. CVA (cerebrovascular accident).

2. Sepsis.

3. Hypovolemia.

Treatment plan

Control modifiable risk factors. The patient is too late for thrombolytic agents. Prevention of re-stroke.

Preventive measures

Control hypertension and antiplatelet therapy,

Regarding follow up

For further doubts consult an internal medicine physician online.---> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Talal Hussain
Dr. Talal Hussain

Internal Medicine

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