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Suggest Treatment For Slurred Speech And Sialorrhea In An Elderly Person
Question: I am 73 and have always been in good health, now I find I am starting to drool, my speech has become slurrred and I notice i am starting to stumble . These symptoms started about 4-5 weeks ago
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The drooling and slurring speech indicate weakness of the throat muscles responsible for actions like articulating words, swallowing food and saliva, muscles which are under the control of the lower brainstem.
The stumbling on the other hand indicates difficulties in balance and coordination functions which rely mainly on the cerebellum (little brain) and some brainstem structures.
So this combination of symptoms suggests an issue involving the posterior part of the brain which includes the cerebellum and the brainstem.
The originating cause needs to be determined. Judging from the short history of 4-5 weeks, chronic degenerative conditions like Parkinson's are less likely. The most likely possibilities are either stroke or a tumor.
So I suggest you see your primary doctor or a neurologist as soon as possible as to differentiate the cause investigations are necessary starting with imaging exams, like CT or MRI (preferably for that brain region a contrast MRI).
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
The drooling and slurring speech indicate weakness of the throat muscles responsible for actions like articulating words, swallowing food and saliva, muscles which are under the control of the lower brainstem.
The stumbling on the other hand indicates difficulties in balance and coordination functions which rely mainly on the cerebellum (little brain) and some brainstem structures.
So this combination of symptoms suggests an issue involving the posterior part of the brain which includes the cerebellum and the brainstem.
The originating cause needs to be determined. Judging from the short history of 4-5 weeks, chronic degenerative conditions like Parkinson's are less likely. The most likely possibilities are either stroke or a tumor.
So I suggest you see your primary doctor or a neurologist as soon as possible as to differentiate the cause investigations are necessary starting with imaging exams, like CT or MRI (preferably for that brain region a contrast MRI).
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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