Flaccid dysarthria represents impairment at which processing level?

Flaccid dysarthria represents impairment at the execution level of speech production. This condition is characterized by weakness in the muscles used for speech due to damage to the motor neurons that innervate the speech muscles. As a result of this weakness, the movements required for producing speech sounds become limited or inefficient.

At the execution level, the physical aspects of speech production, including the timing, strength, and coordination of muscle movements, are directly affected. In flaccid dysarthria, individuals often experience symptoms such as breathiness, nasal speech, and articulation difficulties, all linked to reduced muscle function and tone in the speech apparatus.

While motor programming and planning are related to the organization and sequencing of speech movements, flaccid dysarthria specifically involves the implementation of those movements, which occurs at the execution level. Therefore, recognizing that flaccid dysarthria is linked to the execution level helps clinicians focus on interventions that aim to strengthen and improve the efficiency of the affected muscles.