If your child is experiencing any type of drooling or slurred speech, it could be an indication he is suffering from an underlying medical condition or disease. Because children are still developing mentally and physically, it is important to find out the cause to prevent growing impairment. There are several conditions that can contribute to these symptoms. The problem may lie with a neurological defect and will likely require specialized care and treatment.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when there is a blockage of blood flow to the brain. There are several causes of stroke including high blood pressure, obesity and high blood cholesterol levels. In children, certain birth defects, trauma, sickle cell disease and severe infections can also lead to stroke. The National Stroke Association reports that the incidence of strokes that occur in children under 15 years is 6 in every 100,000. While stroke risk is minimal in children, it is very serious. Two of the main symptoms of stroke are slurred speech and drooling at the mouth. The sooner a child who has the symptoms of a stroke gets medical care, the greater the possibility for survival with minimal effects.
Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is a type of cerebrovascular disorder that can cause problems with speech among an array of other symptoms. Cerebral palsy affects the brain and can have many causes such as injuries from birth, including birth defects. Cerebral palsy affects the brain and spinal cord. Signs include impaired muscle tone, poor reflexes, problems with balance, impaired fine and gross motor function along with oromotor dysfunction. Oromotor dysfunction stems from difficulty using your lips, tongue and jaw, resulting in problems with swallowing, drooling, chewing and speaking.
Myasthenia Gravis
Another type of disease that may cause drooling and slurred speech in children is Myasthenia Gravis. A chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disease, Myasthenia Gravis affects the voluntary skeletal muscles in the body, explains the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. With this condition, the more your child is physically active, the more muscles weaken. Slurred speech, difficulty in swallowing, failure to move eyelids, unstable gait and blurred vision are also present.
Dysarthria
A condition in which a child has specific problems with the muscles that aid in talking is referred to as dysarthria, according to Pub Med Health. Dysarthria is triggered by an underlying muscle, brain or nerve disorder. If your child has trouble with his speech or stutters with drooling present, her pediatrician or medical specialist may diagnose her with dysarthria. Weakness in the muscles as well as paralyzed muscles makes it difficult to control the mouth, tongue, larynx and vocal cords.
