When should you see a doctor about slurred speech?

Slurred speech means words sound unclear, slow, or difficult to understand. It may happen when the muscles used for speaking are weak or poorly coordinated. A stroke or transient ischaemic attack can present with sudden speech change. Bell's Palsy may affect speech when facial weakness changes lip movement, while hypoglycaemia can cause confusion and difficulty speaking. Slurred speech can also follow alcohol, sedating medicines, or illness, but a new or unexplained change still deserves assessment.

Note when the change began, whether it was sudden, and any accompanying weakness, numbness, headache, dizziness, vision change, or confusion. Do not drive yourself if symptoms are sudden or severe. Keep a list of medicines and medical conditions available for the clinician, and do not take extra medicine to treat the speech change unless advised.

Call emergency services immediately for sudden slurred speech or speech that is worsening, even if it improves. Urgent assessment is also needed with one-sided weakness, facial drooping, loss of balance, a severe headache, fainting, or new confusion. Arrange a prompt medical appointment for speech that recurs, persists, or follows a medication change without an obvious explanation.

Ask what might be affecting speech, whether you need neurological tests, and which warning signs should trigger emergency help. Tell the clinician about the exact onset, recent illness or injury, alcohol use, and every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, or supplement.