Post-Stroke Communication Difficulties: The benefits of speech and language therapy intervention.

Every 5 minutes someone has a stroke in the UK (Stroke Association). After a stroke, someone can experience communication problems. There are different types of communication problems after a stroke including:

• Aphasia affects your ability to speak, understand, read and/or write. 1/3 stroke survivors experience aphasia. However, they way it presents is different from person to person.

• Dysarthria is due to weakness/reduced control of the muscles in your face, mouth and throat which can make it difficult to speak clearly. This can mean that your speech becomes slurred, slow or that your voice sounds quiet.

• Apraxia of speech is when the instruction from the brain to make the muscles move to speak is impaired. This can make it difficult for other people to understand you.

Speech and Language Therapy can help people with language problems after stroke. Aphasia, dysarthria and apraxia of speech doesn't just affect the individual. Loved ones often face new responsibilities, changes in family dynamics, and emotional struggles as they adapt to living with someone who has communication difficulties (Harmon, 2020; McGurk & Kneebone, 2013). For both the person with communication difficulties and their family, therapy and support are essential.

Speech and language therapists specialise in helping people with communication difficulties manage their challenges. Their expertise can greatly reduce the impact of these difficulties (Fridriksson & Hillis, 2021). Research has shown that when language impairments are identified and treated early, it can improve communication and allow individuals with communication difficulties to re-engage with their daily activities and roles in meaningful ways (Doogan et al., 2018).

At Neu Voice Solutions, our therapists with years of stroke specific experience, can help you. We start with a thorough initial assessment to understand your communication challenges. From there, we work closely with you to develop personalised recommendations and, if needed, create a tailored therapy plan with SMART goals to support your progress. Our goal is to help you improve communication in a way that fits your specific needs and lifestyle.

References:

1. https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke/statistics#UK%20summary (accessed 1/02/2025)

2. Harmon, T. G. (2020). Everyday communication challenges in aphasia: Descriptions of experiences and coping strategies. Aphasiology, 34(10), 1270-1290.

3. McGurk, R., & Kneebone, I. I. (2013). The problems faced by informal carers to people with aphasia after stroke: a literature review. Aphasiology, 27(7), 765-783.

4. Fridriksson, J., & Hillis, A. E. (2021). Current approaches to the treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Journal of stroke, 23(2), 183-201.

5. Doogan, C., Dignam, J., Copland, D., & Leff, A. (2018). Aphasia recovery: when, how and who to treat?. Current neurology and neuroscience reports, 18, 1-7.