The scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia correlates with dysarthria assessment in Friedreich's ataxia |
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Authors: | Andreas Eigentler Johanna Rhomberg Wolfgang Nachbauer Irmgard Ritzer Werner Poewe Sylvia Boesch |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Neurology, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria; |
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Abstract: | Dysarthria is an acquired neurogenic sensorimotor speech symptom and an integral part within the clinical spectrum of ataxia
syndromes. Ataxia measurements and disability scores generally focus on the assessment of motor functions. Since comprehensive
investigations of dysarthria in ataxias are sparse, we assessed dysarthria in ataxia patients using the Frenchay Dysarthria
Assessment. The Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment is a ten-item validated test in which eight items focus on the observation
of oral structures and speech functions. Fifteen Friedreich's ataxia patients and 15 healthy control individuals were analyzed
using clinical and logopedic methodology. All patients underwent neurological assessment applying the Scale for the Assessment
and Rating of Ataxia. In Friedreich's ataxia patients, the Frenchay sub-item voice showed to be most affected compared to
healthy individuals followed by items such as reflexes, palate, tongue, and intelligibility. Scoring of lips, jaw, and respiration
appeared to be mildly affected. Ataxia severity in Friedreich's ataxia patients revealed a significant correlation with the
Frenchay dysarthria sum score. The introduction of a binary Adapted Dysarthria Score additionally allowed allocation to distinct
dysarthria pattern in ataxias. The Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment proved to be a valid dysarthria measure in Friedreich's
ataxia. Its availability in several languages provides a major advantage regarding the applicability in international clinical
studies. Shortcomings of the Frenchay test are the multiplicity of items tested and its alphabetic coding. Numerical scoring
and condensation of assessments in a modified version may, however, provide an excellent clinical tool for the measurement
and scoring of dysarthria in ataxic speech disorders. |
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