Question: My throat has changed so much and I speak so much slower that I sound mentally challenged. Doctors said I did not have a stroke, but my health has gone down and I am a diabetic now. I also have high blood pressure. I have been to a voice therapist who sent me to an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor, (ENT). My throat seems swollen, but it is neither swollen nor sore. I just talk funny, slower than I usually do. Can you help?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Your throat seems swollen, yet not sore, and your vocalization has changed? Your advice to see an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeon to be evaluated was well-advised. If your ENT found no local disease, you will need to consult a neurologist for your speech. Remember that clear speech involves a feedback loop starting with healthy sound recognition and transmission of stimulus to your brain, processing within your brain (especially an area known as Broca’s area), and then efficient transmission of brain signal to effect coordinated muscle function and vocalization.

There are a few disorders such as hypothyroidism that will also change your voice pattern, but this can also be a symptom of more severe disease such as a stroke, and it would be wise for you to consult with a specialist immediately. If you have any difficulty contacting your doctor, go to the nearest hospital emergency department for an immediate assessment by the emergency department physician.