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Difficulty speaking

FACIAL PAIN • DIFFICULTY SPEAKING

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Slurred or unclear speech and the inability to find or use words are symptoms that may have an obvious cause, such as drinking too much alcohol. But difficulty speaking can also signal a more serious condition affecting the brain’ s speech centers. If your speech suddenly deteriorates, consult your doctor urgently.

ACTION

DIAL 911 OR CALL EMS

! You may have had a stroke.

START	Have you had any of the following?	Are any symptoms still present?	ACTION CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have had a mini-stroke.
	Disturbed vision	Symptoms present
	Numbness, tingling, or weakness	Symptoms no longer present	ACTION
	Feeling faint or passing out Confusion Inability to move the muscles on one side of the face	ACTION CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have a type of facial palsy, due to damaged facial nerves. • Take care of your eyes, which may not close fully.	SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS Your symptoms may be a side effect of medication or drugs. • Stop taking any overthe-counter medicines but continue to take prescribed medication unless advised to stop by your doctor.
	None of the above	Do any of these apply?	ACTION
	ACTION MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have glossitis( inflamed tongue). • Rinse your mouth regularly with either a salt solution or a pain-relieving mouthwash. • Avoid acidic and spicy foods. • If you smoke, stop.	You have been taking drugs or medication You have been drinking alcohol You have a sore mouth or tongue None of the above	MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR for advice on reducing your alcohol intake. ACTION SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your speech difficulty from this chart.