Slurred speech

This code signifies dysarthria, a motor speech disorder characterized by unclear or indistinct articulation of words. It results from neurological damage affecting the muscles involved in speech production, leading to difficulty in forming sounds and speaking clearly.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "slurred speech" or "dysarthria" as a presenting symptom or diagnosis. It is appropriate for conditions like stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or intoxication where speech clarity is compromised. Ensure the physician's notes clearly describe the speech impairment.

• Do not use this code for aphasia, which is a language disorder, not a motor speech disorder.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause of the slurred speech, if known and documented.
• Avoid using this code if the documentation describes difficulty finding words or understanding language, as that points to aphasia.