Montgomery
Wyatt Hardy, PLC

Criminal, Family and Probate Law

Montgomery
Wyatt Hardy, PLC

Criminal, Family and Probate Law

GET A FREE CONSULTATION

Protecting Clients’ Rights. Working To Solve Problems.

What conditions interfere with your ability to speak?

On Behalf of | Apr 28, 2022 | DWI Defense

Speaking with the police is an experience many drivers do not relish. However, it is possible an officer might pull you over and you will have to exchange a few words. In the event you have a medical problem that hampers your ability to talk, the officer might suspect you of DWI.

It is true that being under the influence of alcohol can slur your speech. However, sometimes a medical problem is the reason you have trouble speaking. According to Healthline, there are a variety of disorders that result in speech impediments.

Damage to parts of the body

Sometimes a car accident or a fall causes injuries that make it hard to carry on a conversation. Examples include injuries to the vocal cords, the brain, lungs, or muscles. Certain respiratory ailments and brain disorders can also interfere with your ability to form words. Almost any issue that affects your throat could distort your speech.

Developmental or degenerative disorders

Certain conditions that people are born with such as autism or ADHD can interfere with speech. It is also possible to develop a degenerative disease like Lou Gehrig’s disease or Huntington’s disease that affects your ability to talk. Cancers of the mouth like oral cancer or cancer in the vocal cords could have similar effects.

Reactions to medicine

Sometimes a temporary reaction to medication interferes with your speech. Be aware of any side effects of medicine you take, as some forms of medicine can mimic intoxication or register a false positive on a breathalyzer. A doctor might advise you not to drive for a period after taking the medicine.

If you have trouble speaking to a police officer, you may have to perform a walk and turn test and a breath test. These might prove that you have not ingested too much alcohol. If law enforcement still has any doubt, you may need to provide medical documents that prove your condition.