Which type of dysarthria is characterized by audible inspiration?

Flaccid dysarthria is characterized by weakness and reduced muscle tone, which can lead to a variety of speech difficulties including breathiness, harsh voice quality, and nasal resonance. One common feature associated with flaccid dysarthria is audible inspiration. This occurs as a result of difficulty closing the vocal folds and maintaining proper airflow, often leading to uncoordinated respiratory control during speech. Individuals with flaccid dysarthria may exhibit breath support issues, causing them to rely on audible inhalations as they struggle to maintain phonation.

This type of dysarthria is often associated with neurological conditions that affect motor control, leading to the noted breathy voice quality and challenges with speech intelligibility. While other types of dysarthria may have distinct motor characteristics and voice qualities, the presence of audible inspiration is particularly indicative of the weakness and instability in the respiratory system found in flaccid dysarthria.