Dysarthria and anarthria
ICD-10 R47.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of dysarthria and anarthria.
Dysarthria refers to a motor speech disorder resulting from neurological injury that affects the muscles used in speech production. It is characterized by slurred or slow speech that can be difficult to understand. Anarthria, on the other hand, is a more severe form of speech impairment where the individual is unable to articulate words due to the loss of muscle control. Both conditions can arise from various neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cerebral palsy. Symptoms may include difficulty in pronouncing words, changes in voice quality, and challenges in controlling the volume and pitch of speech. Clinical evaluation often involves a thorough neurological examination, speech assessment, and imaging studies to identify underlying causes. Laboratory findings may include tests to assess neurological function, but specific lab results are not typically associated with dysarthria and anarthria. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for effective treatment planning and management.
Detailed neurological examination findings, patient history, and any imaging studies performed.
Patients presenting with stroke symptoms, neurological disorders, or unexplained speech difficulties.
Ensure that the underlying cause is documented to support the diagnosis of dysarthria/anarthria.
Acute assessment of speech and neurological function, including rapid imaging if a stroke is suspected.
Acute stroke presentations or traumatic brain injuries leading to sudden speech impairment.
Timely documentation is crucial for acute care settings, especially in stroke protocols.
Used in conjunction with R47.1 for patients receiving speech therapy.
Document the specific speech therapy interventions and progress notes.
Ensure that the therapy is directly related to the diagnosis of dysarthria/anarthria.
Dysarthria is a motor speech disorder characterized by slurred or slow speech, while anarthria is a more severe condition where the individual cannot articulate words at all due to loss of muscle control.
Common causes include neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and cerebral palsy.
Document the patient's speech characteristics, any neurological assessments performed, and the impact on daily functioning. Include any treatments or therapies being utilized.
