Slurred speech : Emergency Room

Slurred speech : Emergency Room

Most people have had a drink or two and stumbles home under their own power, but slurred speech is one symptom of a serious medical condition. These conditions include stroke, traumatic brain injury, degenerative neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, poisoning from alcohol or prescription medications and many more. While some cases may be treatable in an urgent care setting or at home by waiting for symptoms to subside, others can result in permanent neurological damage. Therefore it is best to call 911 immediately if you begin slurring your words while sober. The ER can often perform immediate tests that are not available at urgent care centers that will help diagnose your problem more quickly.

If you have slurred speech, it could be a symptom of multiple conditions. Some causes are benign— like dehydration or fatigue—while others indicate more serious conditions that may require a doctor’s attention. To know for sure, you should see your primary care physician immediately if you experience sudden and unexplained changes in your speaking ability. In fact, many conditions that cause slurred speech can be treated at home with simple interventions like hydration and rest. If those measures don’t work, it’s possible they may not even need medical attention; many go away on their own after a few days or weeks.

If you have trouble speaking clearly, chances are your slurred speech isn’t a sign of serious illness but alcohol poisoning. Symptoms of that condition include nausea, vomiting and lack of coordination. If you feel drunk and have slurred speech, try eating something sugary for some quick energy—ideally about 50 grams worth, or three Oreo cookies. If your slurred speech goes away within 30 minutes, it was probably just booze. However, if you still slur after eating sugar and your symptoms get worse or last more than 30 minutes (i.e., vomiting or dizziness), go to an urgent care center right away—you may need IV fluids.