Meaning

A neurological impairment characterized by the inability to coordinate the articulatory muscles required for speech, resulting in slurred, irregular, or scanning vocal patterns despite the patient knowing the words they intend to say.

Examples

• The neurologist diagnosed the patient with ataxic aphasia after observing his inability to maintain a steady rhythm while speaking.
• Individuals with ataxic aphasia often exhibit a characteristic 'scanning' speech pattern where syllables are separated by unnatural pauses.