Name of the Condition

• Dysarthria following unspecified cerebrovascular disease
• Often referred to simply as "dysarthria" complicating stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA)

Summary

Dysarthria is a condition characterized by difficulties in articulating words due to neurological damage affecting the muscles used in speech. When it occurs following a cerebrovascular event like a stroke, it is attributed to damage in parts of the brain responsible for coordinating speech.

Causes

Dysarthria after an unspecified cerebrovascular disease typically results from a stroke or similar event that disrupts blood flow to the brain, impairing the regions controlling speech muscles.

Risk Factors

• Advanced age
• High blood pressure
• Prior history of stroke or transient ischemic attacks (TIA)
• Atrial fibrillation or other heart conditions
• Diabetes
• Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Symptoms

• Slurred speech
• Slow or rapid speech that is hard to understand
• Abnormal rhythm in speech
• Difficulty controlling the volume or pitch of speech

Diagnosis

• Neurological examination to assess speech and muscle control
• Imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to identify cerebrovascular abnormalities
• Speech and language evaluation by a speech-language pathologist

Treatment Options

• Speech therapy to enhance speech clarity and communication
• Occupational therapy to improve muscle strength and coordination
• In severe cases, alternative communication methods, such as speech-generating devices, may be employed

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis varies depending on the severity of the initial brain injury and response to rehabilitation
• Regular follow-up with healthcare providers to monitor recovery progress and adjust treatment plans
• Continuous therapy may be necessary to achieve and maintain improvements

Complications

• Social withdrawal due to difficulty communicating
• Misunderstandings or frustration in personal and professional interactions
• Potential decline in quality of life if untreated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Managing risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and avoiding tobacco use to reduce the risk of strokes
• Regular physical activity and a heart-healthy diet

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden onset of speech difficulties, especially following any signs of a stroke (e.g., sudden weakness, confusion, vision problems)
• Persistent speech problems that impede daily communication

Additional Resources

• American Stroke Association (www.stroke.org)
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (www.nidcd.nih.gov)
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (www.asha.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure coding reflects the linkage between dysarthria and the unspecified cerebrovascular event (I69.922)
• Double-check documentation to confirm the diagnosis specifically mentions "unspecified cerebrovascular disease"
• Avoid mistakenly coding for conditions like aphasia, which is distinct from dysarthria