Dysarthria in children with cerebellar or brainstem tumors

Pediatr Neurol. 1998 May;18(5):411-4. doi: 10.1016/s0887-8994(97)00232-4.

Abstract

Speech features were perceptually analyzed in two groups of children. The first group (n = 6) had undergone cerebellar tumor resection, and the second group (n = 6) included children with brainstem tumors. Children belonging to the first group became dysarthric after a postoperative mute phase. Slow speech rate was a specific feature, but scanning speech and irregular articulatory breakdown (i.e., prominent characteristics in adult ataxic dysarthria) were not observed. In the second group, hypernasality was a prominent characteristic and resembled flaccid dysarthria in adults. These findings suggest that acquired childhood dysarthria needs a proper classification.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Articulation Disorders / classification
  • Articulation Disorders / etiology
  • Articulation Disorders / physiopathology
  • Brain Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Brain Stem* / physiopathology
  • Brain Stem* / surgery
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / surgery
  • Cerebellum* / physiopathology
  • Cerebellum* / surgery
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dysarthria / classification
  • Dysarthria / etiology*
  • Dysarthria / physiopathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Postoperative Complications* / classification
  • Postoperative Complications* / physiopathology
  • Speech Production Measurement
  • Time Factors
  • Voice Quality