Which form of dysarthria is often identified by a harsh voice quality and difficulty in articulation?

Spastic dysarthria is characterized by a harsh voice quality and challenges in articulation due to increased muscle tone and spasticity. This form of dysarthria occurs when there is damage to the upper motor neurons, which leads to the muscles being overly tight and resulting in a strained or strangled voice. The speech may be slow and effortful, as the individual finds it difficult to control the movements of the articulators, such as the tongue, lips, and jaw.

The harshness in voice quality arises from excessive stiffness of the vocal cords and the inability to regulate pitch and loudness effectively. This can lead to speech that is not only difficult to understand but may also sound tense or rigid. Individuals with spastic dysarthria often exhibit a combination of these voice characteristics and articulation difficulties, making it a distinct type of speech impairment.