Objective analysis of speech correlates with disease severity in Multiple Sclerosis and differentiates groups with and without upper limb tremor

Abstract

Background: Dysarthria is highly prevalent in Multiple Sclerosis. The relationship between dysarthria, MS disease severity and other cerebellar manifestations (such as tremor) is poorly understood. Objective: To examine the relationship between objective markers of speech, disease severity and upper limb tremor in relapsing-remitting and secondary progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Design Methods: An experienced neurologist determined A) the presence of upper limb tremor, B) the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and C) the degree of dysarthria (from 0, no disturbance to 4, unintelligible). Through acoustic analysis of speech, we investigated: 1) stability of vocal pitch, in sustai..