This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Go to /pro/cpd-dashboard page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. CPD dashboard

Go to /account/subscription-details page

This page is worth 0.05 CPD credits. Upgrade to Pro

Speech , swallowing and language problems in adults - NICE guidance - suspected neurological conditions - recognition and referral

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Speech, swallowing and language problems in adults

Summary points from NICE guidance relating to speech, swallowing and language problems in adults are:

Sudden-onset speech or language disturbance

  • refer imediately adults with sudden-onset speech or language disturbance to have an assessment for a vascular event, in line with local stroke/TIA pathways.

Progressive slurred or disrupted speech

For adults with progressive slurred or disrupted speech:

  • refer for an assessment for neuromuscular disorders to assess for possible motor neurone disease

  • refer urgently if there is any evidence of swallowing impairment

  • refer immediately if there is breathlessness at rest or when lying flat.

Dysphonia

  • consider referring adults with isolated and unexplained persistent dysphonia (a quiet, hoarse or wobbly voice) to have an assessment for laryngeal dystonia (involuntary contractions of the vocal cords) if hoarseness caused by structural abnormality or malignancy has been excluded by ear, nose and throat examination.

Be aware that persistent dysphonia in adults may be a presenting symptom of a neurological condition such as Parkinson's disease.

Word-finding diffificulties as part of an anxiety disorder or a functional neurological disorder

  • be aware that anxiety disorder and functional neurological disorders are the most common causes of minor word-finding difficulties in adults, and people with a diagnosis of anxiety disorder or functional neurological disorder made by a specialist might not need a referral.

Reference:


Create an account to add page annotations

Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.