Hypokinetic Dysarthria

Question 1

Hallmark

Answer 1

Increased speed; reduced range

Question 2

Overarching causes

Answer 2

Damage to the basal ganglia control circuit

Question 3

Distinguishing signs

Answer 3

Resting tremor
Bradykinesia
Akinesia
Rigidity
Postural abnormalities

Question 4

Neuromuscular deficits (direction, rhythm, rate, range, force, tone)

Answer 4

Direction: Normal
Rhythm: Normal
Rate: Fast for individual movements
Range: Reduced
Force: Reduced
Tone: Excessive

Question 5

Clusters of abnormal speech characteristics

Answer 5

Monopitch
Monoloud
Reduced stress
Short phrases
Variable rate
Imprecise consonants

Question 6

Speech characteristics

Answer 6

Articulatory imprecision from undershooting
Harsh-breathy voice (related to rigidity)
Tremulousness in voice

Question 7

Non-speech characteristics

Answer 7

Reduced eye-blink
Infrequent swallowing
Tremulousness

Question 8

Parkinson’s Disease

Answer 8

Dopamine depletion in the BG; hypokinetic dysarthria, gait problems, masked facies, etc.

Question 9

Hoehn & Yahr PD Scale

Answer 9

0: No Parkinsonian signs
1: Unilateral signs not causing disabilities
2: Predominantly unilateral signs cause disability
3: Bilateral involvement with postural instability; autonomus pt.
4: Severe handicap, but able to walk; partial loss of autonomy
5: Pt. confined to bed or wheelchair; no autonomy