Problems with Communication after stroke

Speech and Language Therapy

Please find here some information on speech language problems which may occur after stroke and instructions on how to help patients regain the ability to speak.

Dysarthria (or anarthria) is a medical term used to describe a disturbance in speech that results from muscle weakness, paralysis or poor co-ordination of the muscles involved in speech. Words may be slurred like in someone who is drunk. I the most severe case the patient is unable to utter sounds at all. Patients with dysarthria understand language normally and are able to communicate by writing or pointing at words letters.

Dysphasia (or aphasia)  is often found in patients with a stroke that affects the right side of the body. A patient with dysphasia has problems understanding speech and /or finding words (expression). They are usually able to make sounds, but these may not make sense. It is like trying to speak to or understand a foreign language. A patient with dysphasia who cannot speak usually cannot write or read either. Patients may have problems with understanding, finding words, or both. Exercises to help understanding, and  exercises to help with finding words (expression) may both be useful in this condition. 

Dyspraxia (or apraxia): a person with dyspraxia may be unable to speak clearly, and, in severe cases, to make deliberate sounds at all. However, the cause is not an inability to remember the right words or a weakness in any of the muscles. Instead, speech dyspraxia is due to to an inability to control and co-ordinate the movements that are needed to talk. Dyspraxia can also affect other activities such as dressing and walking and may need input from physiotherapists and occupational therapists as well.

Everyday activities when communication is difficult. If your relative or friend has difficulty speaking, they are likely to find conversation tiring. It may be helpful to spend some time doing things together which do not require much speech. You may both be grateful to have the pressure taken off whilst still enjoying each other’s company.

Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Policy statement: The specialist contribution of speech and language therapists along the care pathway for stroke survivors. November 2007. This provides the views Royal college of Speech and Language therapists on the role of speech and language therapy after stroke. It is written for professionals, but could also be of interest to no professionals interested in the subject.
 

CONNECT is a group which provides information and training  for people with communication disorders, their families and friends and for professionals with an interest in communication problems. Click here for the newsletter.

My Voice: An app has been developed in the US called MyVoice. It is a communication aid, inspired by someone who had a stroke. It is free to download, though there is a charge for additional features.

Brain Repair: Peter Barclay, a stroke survivor has set up this website to share experiences and tips on recovery from stroke and related speech problems.