Dysarthria and Dysphagia in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury: Frequency and Comorbidity in a Cross- Sectional Study

Introduction: To determine the frequency, comorbidities, and relationship between dysarthria and dysphagia in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI). Materials and Methods: A descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted enrolling 61 patients with tSCI from rehabilitation centers in Tehran Province, Iran between January and September 2024. Dysarthria and dysphagia were assessed using the Persian- adapted versions of the frenchay dysarthria assessment (FDA) and northwestern dysphagia patient check sheet (NDPCS), respectively. Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the relationship between these conditions, with odds ratios (ORs) calculated to quantify the strength of the relationship. Results: Dysarthria was observed in 87% of participants, with mixed dysarthria being the most prevalent subtype (34%). Dysphagia was identified in 49% of participants, of whom 49% exhibited both disorders concurrently. Logistic regression analysis indicated that patients with dysarthria were approximately nine times more likely to experience dysphagia (odds ratio [OR]=9.69, P<0.05), even after adjusting for weight and sex. Conclusion: This study underscores the high prevalence and significant comorbidity of dysarthria and dysphagia in patients with tSCI, with dysarthria identified as a robust predictor of dysphagia. These results highlight the necessity of concurrent assessment and integrated rehabilitation approaches targeting both disorders to improve patient outcomes and quality of life