Dysarthria (Slurred or Unclear Speech) in the UK: Who Can Help

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In short: The NHS describes dysarthria as difficulty speaking because the muscles used for speech are weak, and says speech and language therapy can help. Sudden slurred speech can be a sign of stroke and is an emergency: call 999. If speech has changed gradually, see a GP, who may refer you to a specialist and to a speech and language therapist. You can also see a private speech and language therapist; check the HCPC register before you book.

Please read. This is general information from us, not medical, clinical or professional advice. We’re a directory: we don’t provide therapy, we don’t recommend or guarantee any practitioner, and we’re not a crisis service. If you need urgent help, please use the crisis box at the bottom of this page. Services and rules change, so check the official websites linked here.

Sudden Slurred Speech: Call 999

Call 999 now if somebody's face droops on one side, they cannot lift both arms and keep them there, or they have difficulty speaking (speech may be slurred or garbled). The NHS says these can be signs of a stroke, which is a medical emergency, and that the symptoms usually come on suddenly. Do not drive yourself to A&E; the person you speak to at 999 will advise you. Source: NHS: dysarthria.

What Dysarthria Is and What It Can Look Like

The main symptom, according to the NHS, is unclear speech, which can make it difficult to make yourself understood. It may be slightly unclear or very unclear. Other symptoms include difficulty moving your mouth, tongue or lips; slurred or slow speech; difficulty controlling the volume of your voice; a change in your voice, making it nasal, strained or monotone; and hesitating a lot or speaking in short bursts. Being stressed or tired can make symptoms worse.

The NHS says dysarthria is not the same as dysphasia (aphasia), where you have difficulty understanding words or putting them together in a sentence, although you can have both at once. For aphasia, see speech and language therapy after stroke.

What Can Cause It

The NHS says dysarthria is usually caused by damage to the brain or conditions that affect the nervous system, and can happen at any age. Common causes include stroke, severe head injury and brain tumours; Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and motor neurone disease; and cerebral palsy and Down's syndrome. It can also be a side effect of certain medicines, such as some used to treat epilepsy.

Seeing a GP

The NHS says to see a GP if you have noticed gradual changes to your or your child's speech and you are worried. The GP will examine you and may refer you to a specialist for further tests. If you have dysarthria, you will usually be referred to a speech and language therapist.

What Speech and Language Therapy Can Involve

The NHS says the therapy you are offered depends on the cause and how severe it is, and may include:

exercises to strengthen the muscles used for speech
strategies to make your speech easier to understand, such as slowing down when you are talking
communication aids, such as an alphabet board or a voice amplifier

The NHS adds that some people find therapy does not help their symptoms, or their speech may get worse as their condition progresses, and that therapy may then focus on helping communication in other ways. Headway, the brain injury charity, has a page on communication problems after brain injury.

Who Can Help, and How to Find Them

Speech and language therapists assess speech and communication and offer therapy and communication aids; see how to find a speech and language therapist.
Occupational therapists can help with everyday tasks and equipment when a condition affects movement and daily living.
Practitioner psychologists, counsellors and psychotherapists can support you with the frustration, anxiety or low mood that can come with communication difficulty.

Because unclear speech can be a sign of a medical condition, start with your GP or, if it is sudden, 999 rather than going straight to a private practitioner. If you then choose a private speech and language therapist, check them on the HCPC register.

Whoever you choose, check their register (the HCPC register for occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, dietitians and physiotherapists) and ask about fees, session length and what progress will look like. See questions to ask a private allied health professional. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.

Common Questions

What is dysarthria?

The NHS says dysarthria is where you have difficulty speaking because the muscles you use for speech are weak. It can be caused by conditions that damage your brain or nerves and by some medicines.

Is slurred speech an emergency?

It can be. The NHS says that if somebody's face droops on one side, they cannot lift both arms and keep them there, or they have difficulty speaking, these can be signs of a stroke and you should call 999. Sudden slurred speech should always be treated as an emergency.

Can a speech and language therapist help with dysarthria?

Yes. The NHS says that if you have dysarthria you will usually be referred to a speech and language therapist, who offers therapy to help your speech and communication, such as muscle-strengthening exercises, strategies to make speech clearer and communication aids.

What is the difference between dysarthria and aphasia?

The NHS says dysarthria is difficulty speaking because the speech muscles are weak, while dysphasia (also called aphasia) is difficulty understanding words or putting them together in a sentence. You can have both at the same time.

Do I need a GP referral for speech and language therapy?

The NHS says to see a GP if you notice gradual changes in your or your child's speech, and that the GP may refer you to a specialist for tests. You will usually be referred to a speech and language therapist if you have dysarthria. You can also choose to see a private speech and language therapist directly; check they are on the HCPC register.

Last updated 5 November 2026. Facts are drawn from the official websites linked on this page (nhs.uk dysarthria (page last reviewed 17 February 2023) and Headway), read on 5 November 2026. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the NHS, the HCPC or any professional body.

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