Speech Therapy Implications of Dermatomyositis: Case Report

Abstract

The Dermatomyositis is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy, which main symptom is muscle weakness. Objective: To describe the speech therapy findings in a case of dermatomyositis. Description of the history and procedures: From patient chart analysis, a female, 68 years old, with confirmed diagnosis of dermatomyositis, an interview and a clinical examination were performed, after free and informed consent. Results: Restriction in mouth opening, of mobility of the speech organs, difficulty in swallowing in a solid consistency, with episodes of choking, dyspnea, a need for multiple swallowing, burning sensation (lips and tongue), presence of wet voice after swallowing and muscle weakness widespread, indicating the severity of the condition. Conclusion: speech therapy performance in patients with dermatomyositis should be as early as possible, considering that changes in mobility and in execution of oral functions, in particular swallowing, can interfere significantly in nutritional condition and in the well-being of affected subjects.