Strokes often cause temporary or permanent paralysis on one side of the body. Balance, memory, speech, cognition, and
vision may also be affected. In addition, muscle spasms and pain are common complications of a stroke. Because of
these issues, stroke survivors may have difficulty managing basic tasks such as bathing and dressing. Consequently, it
may be challenging for them to continue to manage their roles as spouses, parents, or employees.
One of the most serious complications of stroke is difficulty communicating, with many stroke patients experiencing a
decrease in speaking ability.
Effects of stroke
A stroke can affect many different body functions, depending on the part of the brain that is involved, including:
• Problems with swallowing
• Problems with communication, including Aphasia, Dysarthria and Apraxia.
Role of speech and language therapy for stroke
Speech and language therapy play an important role in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors by assessing, diagnose and treat concerning communication, swallowing ability, and other related issues. Ultimately, the goal of the speech-language pathologist is to help the patient attain the highest level of language and communication function possible.
Communication
Stroke survivors experience a communication difficulty. It is important to remember that communication difficulties do not
affect a person’s intelligence but may make it difficult for them to understand what is said to them and to express their
thoughts.
Stroke survivors report that communication difficulties can reduce their confidence in returning to daily activities such as
work, shopping and social occasions. Speech and language therapists support stroke survivors and their families, friends
and colleagues to improve social conversations and reduce the impact of communication difficulties.
Speech and language therapists assess all aspects of communication that can be impacted by stroke, including:
• Difficulty understanding what has been said (receptive aphasia)
• Difficulty using words and sentences to express what they want to say (expressive aphasia)
• Difficulty thinking of the words they want to use (word-finding difficulties)
• Reading difficulties (dyslexia) and writing difficulties (dysgraphia)
• Muscle weakness which may make speech slurred or difficult to understand (dysarthria)
• Difficulty with moving the muscles in the correct sequence to speak clearly (dyspraxia)
Speech and language therapists work with each individual on their personal communication goals. There are many
different approaches including intensive therapy, online therapy and therapy programmes that can be done at home, and
reviewed and updated regularly by the therapist.
Speech and language therapists are also able to assess and advise on communication aids and assistive technology to
minimize the impact of communication difficulties following a stroke.
Eating, Drinking And Swallowing
Stroke survivors will initially experience some level of difficulty in swallowing (Dysphagia). This results in an increased risk
of malnutrition and dehydration, choking and aspiration.
Speech and language therapists assess and support stroke survivors to minimize the risk of aspiration and choking. If left
untreated, swallowing difficulties can result in aspiration pneumonia, increased hospital admissions and longer hospital
stays.
Stroke survivors with dysphagia may report feeling embarrassed about eating and drinking in front of others, and may
become socially isolated.
Speech and language therapists also support stroke survivors to enjoy food and drink as safely as possible and devise
strategies for them to enjoy and be involved in eating out and socializing.