R47-R49: Symptoms and signs involving speech and voice

R47: Speech disturbances, not elsewhere classified

Speech disturbances encompass a range of conditions that affect a person's ability to communicate clearly and effectively. They typically originate within the areas of the brain responsible for linguistic composition and articulation, though they can also be due to issues with the muscles that enable speech or to abnormalities in the oral or nasal cavities. Speech disturbances can vary greatly, including stuttering, slurring, hoarseness, and aphasia, among others. These conditions may arise from various causes such as neurological disorders, stroke, injury, or developmental delays. Common symptoms include struggling to pronounce words or sounds correctly, slow or rapid speech, abnormal rhythm or tone, and even difficulty understanding language. The progression of these conditions can vary, potentially remaining constant, improving over time, or getting progressively worse. These disorders primarily influence one's ability to communicate and, as such, can greatly impact quality of life.