Stroke survivors face a number of challenges when trying to integrate back into everyday life. One of the biggest challenges is language impairment, called aphasia. More than 20% of stroke victims suffer from some form of aphasia, whether it's the inability to form words, a difficulty understanding the spoken word, problems with reading and writing or a combination of any of the four areas.
There are three main types of aphasia. The first, and most common, type is called Broca's aphasia. This type of aphasia affects a person's ability to find and articulate words clearly. The person may have a complete understanding of speech but often becomes frustrated when trying to get their words out. Broca's aphasia is often accompanied by muscle weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, usually the right side.
Wernicke's aphasia affects the language comprehension area of the brain. People with this type of speech impairment have trouble understanding the spoken word. Their speech is often fluent but makes no sense to others. Word finding problems, reading and writing problems also plague these individuals. People with Wernicke's aphasia are normally unaware of their speech errors but will try to self correct themselves at times.
The third type of aphasia is called global aphasia. This aphasia is characterized by difficulties in the production and understanding of language. Individuals may use automatic words and phrases used in the past, though these utterances are rarely used in an appropriate context.
Speech therapy can greatly benefit most individuals afflicted by aphasia. Increasing levels of difficulty are introduced gradually during the course of therapy to allow individuals to attain their highest level of skill. The prognosis is usually quite good when therapy is started early and given priority.
I can help - I am a Speech Therapist providing In-Home Speech Therapy services throughout the Denver, Colorado area. Just give me a call at 303-949-0351 or send me an email.
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