Speech Therapy After A Stroke
Speech and language problems arise when damage occurs in the language centers of the brain. Due to the brain's great ability to learn and change (called brain plasticity), other areas can adapt to take over some of the lost functions.
Speech therapy helps stroke patients relearn language and speaking skills, or learn other forms of communication.
Speech therapy is appropriate for patients who have no deficits in cognition or thinking, but have problems understanding speech or written words, or problems forming speech.
A speech therapist helps stroke patients help themselves by working to improve language skills, develope alternative ways of communicating, and develop coping skills to deal with the frustration of not being able to communicate fully.
With time and patience, a stroke survivor should be able to regain some, and sometimes all, language and speaking abilities.
