Speech Loss and Stroke: What to Expect
If you or a loved one has recently experienced a stroke, you may be concerned about the changes that might occur in your mind, body, and lifestyle. You may be worried about the cost of physical therapy and speech pathology. However, educating yourself about what a stroke is and how it affects you will help alleviate many of your concerns and ensure that your treatment is as effective as possible. Here are some things to expect after experiencing a stroke.
The Definition of a Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood flow in an artery becomes blocked or constricted, usually by plaque on the arterial walls. This stoppage in blood flow deprives the brain of oxygen-rich blood and can cause brain cells in the affected area to die. When those cells are responsible for speech or mobility in certain areas of the body, it may cause those functions to become impaired or lost altogether.
As a result patients may experience paralysis or loss of strength in certain muscle groups, numbness and loss of feelings or speech trouble. The patient may also experience trouble swallowing, seeing clearly, or remembering certain things and reasoning. In the worst case scenario, a stroke can cause coma or even death.
Common Communication Problems
After a stroke it is common for people to experience aphasia, or language deficits, that may impede their ability to communicate. Depending on the size of the brain that was affected by the blockage, the amount of damage will vary directly.
Social Communication Skills
For instance, a stroke patient may have trouble sequencing their thoughts together to tell a story, or may switch topics quickly and randomly. The patient may also have more technical trouble, such as using the appropriate volume or making the appropriate sounds when articulating words. The patient may also have very little self awareness in conversations or fail to pick up on certain subtleties, such as humor and sarcasm.
Oral Motor Control
Typically a stroke will affect areas of the brain responsible for motor control in the areas of the lips and tongue, making the muscles weaker and less coordinated. The muscles required for maintain proper breath when speaking may cause the sufferer to speak too loudly or not loudly enough in conversations. This may require the patient to use aids to augment their verbal communication or provide them an alternative means of communicating, such as a communication board.
Stroke Diagnosis
Believe it or not, it is possible to have a stroke and not know it has happened. Proper diagnosis requires the attention of a medical professional. He or she may recommend special tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to take a close look at the brain and determine the size and severity of the stroke. If you are experiencing trouble with your speech after experiencing a stroke, you may need the help of a speech pathology specialist to determine the appropriate treatment program to retain and possibly regain some of your speech function.
The Definition of a Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood flow in an artery becomes blocked or constricted, usually by plaque on the arterial walls. This stoppage in blood flow deprives the brain of oxygen-rich blood and can cause brain cells in the affected area to die. When those cells are responsible for speech or mobility in certain areas of the body, it may cause those functions to become impaired or lost altogether.
As a result patients may experience paralysis or loss of strength in certain muscle groups, numbness and loss of feelings or speech trouble. The patient may also experience trouble swallowing, seeing clearly, or remembering certain things and reasoning. In the worst case scenario, a stroke can cause coma or even death.
Common Communication Problems
After a stroke it is common for people to experience aphasia, or language deficits, that may impede their ability to communicate. Depending on the size of the brain that was affected by the blockage, the amount of damage will vary directly.
Social Communication Skills
For instance, a stroke patient may have trouble sequencing their thoughts together to tell a story, or may switch topics quickly and randomly. The patient may also have more technical trouble, such as using the appropriate volume or making the appropriate sounds when articulating words. The patient may also have very little self awareness in conversations or fail to pick up on certain subtleties, such as humor and sarcasm.
Oral Motor Control
Typically a stroke will affect areas of the brain responsible for motor control in the areas of the lips and tongue, making the muscles weaker and less coordinated. The muscles required for maintain proper breath when speaking may cause the sufferer to speak too loudly or not loudly enough in conversations. This may require the patient to use aids to augment their verbal communication or provide them an alternative means of communicating, such as a communication board.
Stroke Diagnosis
Believe it or not, it is possible to have a stroke and not know it has happened. Proper diagnosis requires the attention of a medical professional. He or she may recommend special tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to take a close look at the brain and determine the size and severity of the stroke. If you are experiencing trouble with your speech after experiencing a stroke, you may need the help of a speech pathology specialist to determine the appropriate treatment program to retain and possibly regain some of your speech function.