US Medical Term · symptoms
Slurred Speech
Habla arrastrada
Also: Habla pastosa (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Slurred Speech |
| Spanish (Español) | Habla arrastrada |
| Chinese (中文) | 口齒不清 |
| Korean (한국어) | 발음 불명확 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Nói ngọng |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Hindi malinaw ang pagsasalita |
| Portuguese (Português) | Fala arrastada |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | พูดไม่ชัด |
| Japanese (日本語) | 構音障害 |
What it means
Slurred speech (dysarthria) means speaking in a thick, mumbled, or slow way that is difficult for others to understand. The muscles controlling speech may be weak or poorly coordinated. Common causes include alcohol intoxication, sedating medications, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and brain tumors. Sudden slurred speech — especially combined with facial drooping, arm weakness, severe headache, or vision changes — is a medical emergency and a key stroke warning sign. Call 911 immediately. Do not wait to see if it improves on its own. If slurred speech develops gradually over weeks, schedule a prompt appointment with your doctor for evaluation.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
People are telling me my speech is slurred and hard to understand even though I feel fine.
La gente me dice que mi habla está arrastrada y difícil de entender aunque yo me siento bien.
My husband suddenly started slurring his words and cannot speak clearly.
Mi esposo de repente comenzó a arrastrar las palabras y no puede hablar con claridad.
I have had trouble speaking clearly for the past hour and one side of my face feels droopy.
He tenido dificultad para hablar con claridad durante la última hora y un lado de mi cara se siente caído.
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
R47 Speech disturbances, not elsewhere classifiedRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026