Why Am I Suddenly Slurring My Words? (And When to Worry)

The onset of slurred speech can be alarming, especially when it comes on suddenly. One moment, you’re talking with ease, and the next, you’re struggling to speak clearly and coherently. 

Slurred speech, also known as dysarthria, is a condition where the muscles used for speaking become weak or difficult to control. This results in speech that sounds mumbled, slow, or hard to understand. 

Depending on the cause, slurred speech may be temporary or ongoing. Sometimes, it’s a minor side effect or fatigue, or anxiety; however, it can also be a serious red flag that something much more dangerous is happening. 

Is Slurred Speech Ever an Emergency? Here’s What to Know 

Sudden slurred speech can be a sign of a medical emergency. It may be the first sign of a serious neurological event such as a stroke. The American Stroke Association uses the acronym F.A.S.T. to help remember the warning signs of a stroke:

F - Face drooping or twisting: Is one side of the face numb or drooping? 

A - Arm weakness - Can the person lift both arms evenly?

S - Speech difficulty - Is their speech sounding strange, slurred, or confused?

T - Time to call 911 - Urgent medical attention is necessary, even if symptoms go away.

You should seek medical attention urgently if slurred speech appears suddenly and is combined with other symptoms like confusion, numbness, dizziness, severe headache, or loss of balance. Every second matters when dealing with a stroke.  

Slurred Speech Without the Panic: When It’s Not an Emergency

Not all cases of slurred speech are an emergency. Sometimes, it can be caused by temporary conditions such as:

• High level of stress or anxiety
• Overconsumption of alcohol
• Fatigue
• Overconsumption of drugs, or sedatives
• Low blood sugar

In cases where slurred speech resolves quickly, it may not be a cause for concern. However, persistent or recurring slurred speech warrants a visit to your doctor to rule out an underlying medical condition. 

Slurred Speech Due to Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, fear, or dread. It can bring on feelings of restlessness, cause tension, and result in physical symptoms such as sweating and a rapid heart rate. 

When you are anxious or having a panic attack, your body goes into “fight-or-flight” mode. This can lead to:

• Muscle tension around the jaw and mouth
• Rapid breathing
• Light-headedness/dizziness
• Feeling disconnected

These symptoms can interfere with your ability to speak clearly and can cause slurred speech. In this case, the slurring is temporary and resolves on its own once the anxiety passes.

Common causes of slurred speech

Medical Conditions

• Neurological conditions
  • Stroke
  • Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Head Injury or Concussion
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
• Brain Tumors
• Migraine’s
• Infections such as meningitis or encephalitis

Mental Health and Stress

• High Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Emotional Distress
• Exhaustion

Substance Use and Medications

• Alcohol Intoxication
• Excessive Drug Use
• Certain medications, such as benzodiazepines, antipsychotics, or muscle relaxants

Can speech therapy help with slurred speech?

Speech therapy can help with slurred speech, but it's important to first determine the root cause. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can assess the severity and tailor the therapy accordingly. 

Depending on the underlying cause, therapy may include:

• Strengthening oral muscles (jaw, tongue, and lips)
• Exercises to improve breath control
• Articulation exercises
• Pacing techniques to slow down the speed of speech
• Exercises to improve speech volume
• Practicing social and group communication skills
• Role-playing and testing communication skills in real-life situations.

The effectiveness of speech therapy for slurred speech will vary depending on the cause, severity, and individual factors, but it often leads to significant improvements in communication skills and overall quality of life. At times when improvement is not possible, speech therapy will include learning alternate means of communication (devices, hand gestures, written communication, etc).

If you or someone you love is dealing with slurring of speech, Schedule a free introductory call with Great Speech today. We are the EXPERTS in virtual speech therapy Nationwide!