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Can ANXIETY, STRESS cause slurred speech? CT.

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Hello for the last few weeks I'm noticing that I slur some words at times, no one else seem to notice it. I have been told that I speak real fast in the past. When I googled slur speech ALS came up and now I'm scaried to death. Tongue seem fine can move it around and stick it out and click it. What else can cause this.  Had bloodwork done a few weeks ago and that came back O.K. also had a head CT and that too was normal.  Can stress and anixty cause issuses.

Category: Neurologist, Medical

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Category: Pediatric Neurologist
 28 Doctors Online

Hello,
Thank you for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com
I have noted your symptom of slurred speech and I think anxiety/stress could be the underlying cause.
In ALS, there would be thinning (wasting) of tongue muscles, and it would be difficult to move the tongue. In addition, there would be difficulty in swallowing too. So, ALS is unlikely in your case.
Normal CT scan also rules out any brain disease (such as tumor or stroke), affecting the brainstem part, which could also cause similar symptoms.
I hope it helps.
Best wishes,
Dr. Sudhir Kumar MD (Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist,


Patient replied :

Hello sorry to bother you but since the last time I posted, I have also notice that cant speak at time, let me reword that is seem im getting tongue tied and the words dont come out and when I was on the phone last week with my aunt she asked if I was crying because I sound weird (I was very worried while speaking to her and told her a little white lie) I dont think im slurring I think im stuttering more and when it happen I get this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach and my heart races. What can cause all of this and if it is anxity/stress how long can it last. And can you make symptoms worse by think about them. Also this does not happen all the time, but it does have me worried and LOL doctor google does not help much.


Hello,

The symptoms you are descried in unlikely to be from a Neurological cause. Most important reason is that its on and off and there seems to be no associated symptoms for sure. I strongly feel it is related to anxiety. Not ALS for sure !
You can give it some time. Time should resolve it. If this keeps bothering you can get a basic neurologic evaluation from your GP. I assume you do not have any trouble in drinking water, swallowing food or vision. (If that is not the case please let me know).

I will keep this consult open so that you can get back to me anytime.

Thank you
Regards


Patient replied :

Thank u for getting back to me I had my vision check and it was good and for swallowing if i think about it seem i do...but i dont think i do lol dont have a problem with eating or drinking or chocking. I think the more i think about the more i notice things.


Hello,
From the history given above you don't seem to have any neurological problem. This is mostly anxiety related. I would advise you to consult a speech therapist or neurologist for further evaluation.
Hope it was helpful
Regards.


Dr. Sudhir Kumar
Category: Pediatric Neurologist
Experience: 
Senior Residency, Fellowship: DM, Neurology, CMC, Vellore, 2001
Junior Residency: MD, Internal Medicine, CMC, Vellore, 1998
Medical School: MBBS, Christian Medical College, Vellore, 1995
Dr. Sudhir Kumar and 4 other Medical Specialists are ready to help you

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