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Aphasia Treatment
In some instances an individual will
completely recover from aphasia
without treatment. This type of
"spontaneous recovery" usually
occurs following a transient
ischemic attack (TIA), a kind of
stroke in which the blood flow to
the brain is temporarily interrupted
but quickly restored. In these
circumstances, language abilities
may return in a few hours or a few
days. For most cases of aphasia,
however, language recovery is not as
quick or as complete. While many
individuals with aphasia also
experience a period of partial
spontaneous recovery (in which some
language abilities return over a
period of a few days to a month
after the brain injury), some amount
of aphasia typically remains. In
these instances, speech-language
therapy is often helpful. Recovery
usually continues over a 2-year
period. Most people believe that the
most effective treatment begins
early in the recovery process. Some
of the factors that influence the
amount of improvement include the
cause of the brain damage, the area
of the brain that was damaged, the
extent of the brain injury, and the
age and health of the individual.
Additional factors include
motivation, handedness, and
educational level.
Aphasia therapy strives to improve
an individual's ability to
communicate by helping the person to
use remaining abilities, to restore
language abilities as much as
possible, to compensate for language
problems, and to learn other methods
of communicating. Treatment may be
offered in individual or group
settings. Individual therapy focuses
on the specific needs of the person.
Group therapy offers the opportunity
to use new communication skills in a
comfortable setting. Stroke clubs,
which are regional support groups
formed by individuals who have had a
stroke, are available in most major
cities. These clubs also offer the
opportunity for individuals with
aphasia to try new communication
skills. In addition, stroke clubs
can help the individual and his or
her family adjust to the life
changes that accompany stroke and
aphasia. Family involvement is often
a crucial component of aphasia
treatment so that family members can
learn the best way to communicate
with their loved one.
Family members are encouraged to:
Simplify language by using short,
uncomplicated sentences.
Repeat the content words or write
down key words to clarify meaning as
needed.
Maintain a natural conversational
manner appropriate for an adult.
Minimize distractions, such as a
blaring radio, whenever possible.
Include the person with aphasia in
conversations.
Ask for and value the opinion of the
person with aphasia, especially
regarding family matters.
Encourage any type of communication,
whether it is speech, gesture,
pointing, or drawing.
Avoid correcting the individual's
speech.
Allow the individual plenty of time
to talk.
Help the individual become involved
outside the home. Seek out support
groups such as stroke clubs.
Content Courtesy : www.nidcd.nih.gov
Note : Information herein is
provided for informational purposes
only and is not a substitute for
professional medical advice. You
should not use this information for
diagnosing or treating a medical or
health condition. If you have or
suspect you have a medical problem,
promptly contact your professional
healthcare provider. Please consult
your healthcare provider before
beginning any course of
supplementation or treatment.
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