STROKE AND HEAD TRAUMA:

Loss of speech, language and/or cognitive (thinking) abilities is common following a stroke or head trauma. The loss of language is called “aphasia.” Aphasia can be receptive (understanding what is said) and/or expressive (speech and language). Speech therapy is usually initiated in the hospital, immediately following the injury. However, many patients continue to require, and benefit from, outpatient services.

Common areas of difficulty include:

• The inability to understand what is said the them. 
   

• The inability to think of the word they want to say. 
   

• The ability to think of a word, but inability to get the word out (apraxia).
   

• Slurred or imprecise speech (dysarthria).
   

• Difficulties with orientation, judgment, problem solving, organization, reasoning, math and reading, resulting in skills which are at a level below what they were prior to the injury.
   

• Weakness or paralysis in the face, mouth and/or throat (oral-facial/pharyngeal), often in conjunction with eating/swallowing disorders (dysphagia).

Additional Links

APHASIA:

Aphasia Hope

National Aphasia Association

TBI:

 Brain Injury Association

Traumatic Brain Injury Resource Guide

TBI Survival Guide (on line book)