Aphasia is a term that describes an abnormality of speech that is caused by brain injury. The specific area affected is that which is concerned with language. Individuals with this disorder have difficulties communicating through or understanding language both spoken and written language. The severity varies from mild deficits to complete inability to communicate. The causes of injury to the speech and language area of the brain include strokes, tumours, infections and psychiatric conditions such as dementia. The aim of aphasia treatment is to help affected individuals to readjust and to regain their language skills where possible.
The degree of improvement following therapy is determined by a number of factors. These include the severity of brain injury, the exact site, the cause and the state of health of the patient. When mild, treatment is usually not necessary. Most of the cases will resolve by themselves in a matter of hours or days. Severe forms do require treatment, however. It is worth noting that there is always some form of long term deficit in patients who have had moderate to severe forms.
Language and speech therapy (LST) is the most effective of the currently available modes of intervention. It is a mode of therapy that seeks to help patients regain their communicating ability through practice. In the event that this is not possible, they are helped to learn how to use other means of communication. If done intensively (about 10 hours per day for 2 months) the outcome is much better than the slower approach of two to three hours per day for 6 months.
Speech therapy is a slow process that requires a lot of patience. For it to be effective, there are a number of conditions that should be fulfilled. One of them is that it should be started early before the condition has progressed. It should also be continuous so that it builds on progressive gains. Initial sessions help the patient learn to name objects and with time they have to state the uses.
It is often necessary to adopt a new style of communication. The newer style is composed of more gestures, drawn illustrations and other non-verbal communication aids. This helps them to communicate with greater ease and more concisely without getting stuck in the middle of conversations.
Transcranial stimulation is a fairly new technique of therapy. It uses either magnetic fields or electric current to stimulate affected areas so that they can start functioning again. It is a mildly invasive method that is often used in combination with other techniques.
There are a number of pharmacological agents that have some effect on the condition. Currently, clinical trials are still being done so as to establish their efficacy in this area. The mechanisms through which they act include enhancement of blood flow, repair of injured areas and replenishment of neurotransmitters. Examples include dextran 40, donezepil, piracetam, bromocriptine and piribedil among others.
The use of group therapy is highly recommended for aphasia treatment. It is an opportunity for patients to work together as persons with the same problem. They initiate conversations by themselves and correct each other where necessary. Additionally, they feel that they are in a safer environment where their skills can be practised.
The degree of improvement following therapy is determined by a number of factors. These include the severity of brain injury, the exact site, the cause and the state of health of the patient. When mild, treatment is usually not necessary. Most of the cases will resolve by themselves in a matter of hours or days. Severe forms do require treatment, however. It is worth noting that there is always some form of long term deficit in patients who have had moderate to severe forms.
Language and speech therapy (LST) is the most effective of the currently available modes of intervention. It is a mode of therapy that seeks to help patients regain their communicating ability through practice. In the event that this is not possible, they are helped to learn how to use other means of communication. If done intensively (about 10 hours per day for 2 months) the outcome is much better than the slower approach of two to three hours per day for 6 months.
Speech therapy is a slow process that requires a lot of patience. For it to be effective, there are a number of conditions that should be fulfilled. One of them is that it should be started early before the condition has progressed. It should also be continuous so that it builds on progressive gains. Initial sessions help the patient learn to name objects and with time they have to state the uses.
It is often necessary to adopt a new style of communication. The newer style is composed of more gestures, drawn illustrations and other non-verbal communication aids. This helps them to communicate with greater ease and more concisely without getting stuck in the middle of conversations.
Transcranial stimulation is a fairly new technique of therapy. It uses either magnetic fields or electric current to stimulate affected areas so that they can start functioning again. It is a mildly invasive method that is often used in combination with other techniques.
There are a number of pharmacological agents that have some effect on the condition. Currently, clinical trials are still being done so as to establish their efficacy in this area. The mechanisms through which they act include enhancement of blood flow, repair of injured areas and replenishment of neurotransmitters. Examples include dextran 40, donezepil, piracetam, bromocriptine and piribedil among others.
The use of group therapy is highly recommended for aphasia treatment. It is an opportunity for patients to work together as persons with the same problem. They initiate conversations by themselves and correct each other where necessary. Additionally, they feel that they are in a safer environment where their skills can be practised.
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