Auditory-perceptual analysis of dysarthria in bilateral striatopallidodentate calcinosis (fahr's disease)

A 53-year-old woman with bilateral striatopallidodentate calcinosis (BSPDC) was referred for motor speech examination, and high-quality acoustic recordings were obtained. Three speech-language pathologists experienced in auditory-perceptual assessment of speakers with dysarthria scored 47 auditory-perceptual speech features using a 5-point equal- Appearing interval scale. Results of consensus agreement found speech to be characterized by breathy dysphonia, hypemasality, imprecise consonants, irregular articulatory breakdowns, slow rate, short phrases, and excess and equal stress. Speech signs appeared most consistent with a moderate mixed ataxic-hypokinetic dysarthria. The ataxic component predominated and was distinguished by the speech features of excess and equal stress and irregular articulatory breakdowns. Distinctive speech features of hypokinetic dysarthria included monopitch, breathy phonation, reduced loudness, and variable rate. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive report of the dysarthria encountered in BSPDC and can serve as a foundation for future research into dysarthria in this condition. Copyright © 2012 Delmar Cengage Learning.

Duke Scholars

Author Burton Lasater Scott Neurology, Movement Disorders

Author Harrison N. Jones Communication Sciences