DOCTOK

A stroke can indeed occur within a few minutes, but people have to cope with the issues for a long time. The Stroke Association in the United Kingdom points out the communication difficulties that an individual undergoes following a stroke. In their opinion, a stroke may destroy the part of the brain that governs language and voice. If that happens, it can significantly affect communication. The site states that around two-thirds of people have communication problems directly after a stroke, and some people can also have long-term difficulties. The consequence: simple conversations become a challenge, relationships are affected, and people become lonely or isolated. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel.  With timely and precise treatment through speech therapy, patients can find their lost voice again. Let’s quickly look at the communication challenges a stroke can cause.

Common post-stroke communication challenges

Typical articulation and speech challenges post-stroke are:

• Aphasia – the inability to comprehend or articulate words.
• Dysarthria- weak or in distinct speech because of muscle weakness.
• Apraxia of speech – speech difficulty with speech motor movements.
• Voice changes- lower volume, or monotone voice.

The experience of every individual is different depending on the place and degree of stroke.

Additionally, families suffer as well. They want to assist but struggle with how to help their loved ones overcome this challenge. 

What is speech therapy?

Speech therapy is a form of rehabilitation that is highly specialized and focuses on the recovery of communication and improvement of swallowing and voice control. A speech-language pathologist (SLP) works in cooperation with the patient to: Assess the cognitive-communication, language, and speech skills. Identify areas of weakness and opportunities. Creates a personalised treatment program. The therapy is directed at not being perfect but at functional communication that helps patients communicate their needs, thoughts, and feelings.

The role of speech therapy in helping stroke survivors regain their voice

1-Rebuilding language skills

In the case of patients with aphasia, treatment aims at:

• Word retrieval exercises.
• Sentence formation.
• Comprehending verbal and non-verbal speech.

Such activities retrain the brain by repetition and neuroplasticity (the ability to establish new connections).

2-Improving the strength of speech muscles

In the case of dysarthria or weak speech, treatment consists of:

• Oral motor exercises.
• Techniques of breathing and vocal control.
• Articulation practice.

3-Improving speech planning

In apraxia of speech, the patient can be aware of what he wants to say but finds it difficult to plan the movement. Speech therapy focuses on:

• Structured repetition.
• Gradual development of sounds into words into sentences.
• Visual and tactile cues.

This contributes to the reconstruction of the brain in terms of coordination with speech movements.

4-Treatment of voice and swallowing

Voice fatigue or difficulty in swallowing is also common in many stroke survivors. Speech therapists provide:

• Volume and clarity voice therapy.
• Exercises to make sure one eats and drinks safely.

This minimizes the possibility of aspiration(accidental breathing in of food or saliva into the lungs) and improves the quality of life in general.

The Role of family in speech recovery

The process of recovery does not end with the therapy sessions. The family is important in facilitating smooth communication at home.

The speech therapists help train caregivers to:

• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Give time for responses.
• Use gestures, writing, or images where necessary.

An environment that is supportive promotes non-pressurized practice and good results. Stroke speech recovery is time-consuming. It may even appear that only small steps are being made, but any improvements in the form of words that are more coherent, lengthier conversations, more confidence, etc., are the milestones.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that intervention at an early stage is essential. It is advised that the speech therapy be implemented immediately after the patient is in a stable position. 

Consistency is key. Most productive results are achieved when regular therapy, practice at home, and emotional support are combined. Sukino listens. Our speech therapy is coupled with empathy, patience, and understanding of the journey of each patient. We believe no voice is too small and no story too much to be heard.