Aphasia
WHAT IS APHASIA?
Aphasia is a disorder that can affect how you remember, understand, speak, read, write, and use numbers.
Aphasia can happen suddenly after a stroke, head injury, brain tumor, or a disease that causes increasing damage. The degree of severity depends upon the cause and extent of damage and other conditions.
For many people with aphasia caused by stroke, the most rapid changes are seen early in the weeks and months after their stroke. Improvements can continue to be seen many years, and even decades later.
ASSESSMENT BEFORE THERAPY
An assessment will be administered before therapy begins to identify the specific areas of language you have the most difficulty with. The therapist will talk to you and your family to try to determine whether your problems are related to understanding language or if you have problems expressing yourself.
The assessment will focus on areas to be targeted in therapy.
Other health problems that may impact your ability to communicate will be considered, such as hearing or vision problems,
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR APHASIA?
The treatment you receive will depend on your general health and the difficulties you have with your speech, language, or social skills.
The recommended treatment for aphasia includes treating the condition that causes it, and speech and language therapy. The patient will relearn and practice previously known language skills. Family members can participate in the process, helping the person communicate. Sometimes, aphasia improves on its own without treatment.
If you or your family member is admitted to the hospital, a speech pathologist is usually available to begin a therapy program. When you leave the hospital, you may be referred to a speech pathologist to continue making progress in communication.
If you didn’t see a speech pathologist while you were in the hospital, you can ask your physician to refer you for an evaluation and therapy. Most people with aphasia need many hours of speech and language therapy to recover to their full potential.
HOW SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY HELPS APHASIA PATIENTS
- Reduces impairments by restoring speech and language skills
- Increases communication to the best of your ability
- Uses helpful aids and alternative ways of communicating
- Provides information about aphasia to patients and families
Call our office to schedule an aphasia evaluation to determine the specific speech and language needs to be addressed in therapy.