Stroke attack occurs when a clot obstructs the blood flow to the brain. This can result in problems like swallowing and communication which are some of the common effects, after a stroke. In such cases, undergoing a dedicated Speech and Language therapy program will be beneficial for you. Therapists will first assess the difficulties you are facing and then proceed with the rehabilitation program. These specialists understand that ineffective communication after a stroke becomes a hindrance for you. Here are some of the issues which you should be aware of –
• Choking or coughing sensation while eating or drinking
• Speaking jumbled sentences or pronouncing certain words incorrectly
• Difficulty in forming speech and words due to the weakened mouth muscles
• Problems in understanding languages
Speech and language therapy is an integral part of stroke rehabilitation. Working with trained experts will help patients in regaining lost skills which were affected due to stroke. Assessing your strengths, weaknesses and personal goals will aid in shaping the speech rehabilitation process. The therapy will enable you in learning and improving your speech skills.
Speech pathologists utilize variety of tools and methods to help you in regaining your communication skills. They use pictures and notebooks so that you can relearn the aspects of speech. The rehab program also includes several computer programs which aid you in forming sentences. To improve the patient’s understanding of language, therapists will focus on the following aspects –
a) Encouraging patients for participating in group therapy sessions. This enables improvement of conversational skills.
b) Improving speech production which results from weakening of muscles. Therapists design special strategies which help in making speech considerably intelligible.
c) Therapists also evaluate your swallowing function and suggest techniques which will help you with the same. These include changes in diet and food habits.
The primary aim of therapy is to help you in recovering your speech and to help you in finding alternative methods for communicating. Some of these alternatives may include writing, hand gestures, drawing or communication charts.
Familial support is another essential part of speech therapy and rehabilitation. With the support of the caregivers and your family, you can take the first step towards recovery from the disabilities hindering your communication skills.
