tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80807963243914637732024-02-07T21:03:58.648-08:00FaqiRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-75145460846938186462011-04-17T18:59:00.000-07:002011-04-17T18:59:47.429-07:00Stroke Takes Enormous Toll on Hollywood StarsThe findings were presented at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference (ISC) in Los Angeles on Feb. 10.<br />
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"Since this is the first time the ISC is being held in Los Angeles, we thought it was an appropriate occasion to investigate the frequency and impact of stroke among leading Hollywood actors," said Hannah Smith, a staff research associate at the UCLA Stroke Center. "By documenting the toll that stroke and myocardial infarction have exacted on stars like Kirk Douglas and Grace Kelly, we hope to illustrate the damage that cardiovascular disease can cause."<br />
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The team investigated the frequency and impact of stroke among best actor and best actress Oscar nominees from 1927 through 2009. They identified lifetime reports of non-fatal and fatal strokes and heart attacks through public records and prior studies of deaths from all causes among nominees. They also examined the impact of strokes and heart attacks on these performers' careers.<br />
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Of the 409 actors and actresses nominated over the 82-year period:<br />
30 (7.3 percent) suffered strokes and 39 (9.5 percent) suffered heart attacks. The average age of nominees at their first stroke was 67. More women suffered strokes than men, accounting for 18 of the 30 stroke victims, or 60 percent. Six of them (20 percent of the total) suffered fatal strokes. Performers' annual movie/television appearances declined an average of 73 percent during the three years following a stroke or heart attack, compared with a similar period before being stricken.<br />
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Notable Oscar nominees and winners who suffered strokes include:<br />
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Mary Pickford (winner, 1929) Bette Davis (nominee, 1934; winner, 1935) James Cagney (nominee, 1938; winner 1942) Cary Grant (nominee, 1942) Kirk Douglas (nominee, 1950) Richard Burton (nominee, 1954) Grace Kelly (winner, 1954) Elizabeth Taylor (nominee, 1957, winner 1960) Patricia Neal (winner, 1963) Dudley Moore (nominee, 1982) James Garner (nominee, 1985) Sharon Stone (nominee, 1995)<br />
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According to the AHA/ASA, stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds, someone dies of a stroke every three minutes and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.<br />
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"Stroke and cardiovascular disease can affect one's career productivity and even result in death," UCLA's Smith said. "However, stroke is a highly preventable disease. Key prevention steps include controlling high blood pressure, controlling high cholesterol, not smoking, exercising regularly and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats."<br />
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Additional research authors included Rana Fiaz and Dr. Jeffrey L. Saver of UCLA.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencemagnews.com/stroke-takes-enormous-toll-on-hollywood-stars.html">more read...</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-72050019715787946382011-04-17T13:39:00.000-07:002011-04-17T13:39:35.224-07:00Progressive AphasiaProgressive Aphasia<br />
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Progressive Nonfluent Aphasia (PNFA) is a language disorder separate from aphasia resulting after a stroke. It is also called Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) or Agrammatic Aphasia and is reviewed here. Some consider Semantic Dementia a progressive aphasia, and it is reviewed separately.<br />
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The presenting feature in people with PNFA is a deterioration in their ability to produce speech. These patients first become hesitant in their speech, begin to talk less, and eventually become mute. Current research suggests that the fundamental loss in PNFA is a deterioration in knowledge of the grammatical organization and the production of sounds for language.<br />
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Unlike other FTD subtypes, PNFA generally does not produce changes in behavior or personality until later stages of the disease. Most people with progressive aphasia maintain the ability to care for themselves, keep up outside interests and, in some instances, remain employed for a few years after onset of the disorder.<br />
Key Clinical Features<br />
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The aphasia in PNFA is experienced as hesitant, effortful speech. Despite this difficulty, it appears that patients’ ability to comprehend what others say is preserved longer, though this is eventually lost, as well.<br />
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* Increased difficulty producing speech due to weakness or incoordination – speech sounds weak, imprecise and uncoordinated.<br />
* Reading and writing abilities may be preserved longer than speech, but these eventually decline, as well.<br />
* Difficulty swallowing is often present.<br />
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Neuroimaging studies demonstrate decreased neural activity and decreased blood flow, especially in the left frontal lobe.
In later stages, clinical features may include ones found more commonly in other FTD subtypes, particularly extrapyramidal syndromes such as corticobasal degeneration (CBD) and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP).<br />
Key Pathologic Features<br />
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It is important to note that PNFA is a clinical diagnosis, defined by the symptoms the patient displays. It is common to have abnormal tau collections that differ from those of Alzheimer’s disease (FTLD-T). Loss of brain volume in the left frontal and parietal areas is also characteristic.<br />
Genetics<br />
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PNFA can be sporadic, familial, or hereditary. The majority of PNFA cases are not hereditary.<br />
Treatment<br />
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Mutism eventually develops with progression. As with all forms of FTD, there is no cure for PNFA, and in most cases its progression cannot be slowed. Physicians suggest targeting behavioral disturbances as necessary (eg. obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as hoarding or craving sweets). Some physicians will give a trial of amantadine to ease the flow of speech, but this use has not been proven yet in a formal placebo-controlled drug trial. In one placebo controlled randomized study the cholinesterase inhibitor Reminyl (galantamine), significantly slowed deterioration and in some cases improved language function.<br />
Management and Prognosis<br />
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Although no studies have shown improvement or slowing of progression when a patient works with a speech and language pathologist (SLP), many centers work with SLPs to hone the diagnosis of PNFA or semantic dementia and to research potential therapeutic interventions.<br />
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Some PNFA patients develop the behavioral, social, and/or motor complications seen in other forms of FTD. In these patients, prognosis is obviously poorer, and management more complicated. Patients who do not develop these additional symptoms are able to preserve their independence and active lifestyle for a longer period of time. <a href="http://www.theaftd.org/frontotemporal-degeneration/disorders/progressive-aphasia">more read...</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-47642485102264102102011-02-27T16:10:00.000-08:002011-02-27T16:10:05.526-08:00Aphasia Speech Disorder: Understanding the Language of AphasiaTABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
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* Aphasia Speech Disorder: Understanding the Language of Aphasia<br />
* A quick guide to the types of aphasia disorders<br />
* Treatment - teaching aphasia sufferers to sing their way to speech<br />
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Treatment - teaching aphasia sufferers to sing their way to speech<br />
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Aphasia treatment. One of the most interesting therapies for aphasia is the process of patiently teaching aphasia sufferers to sing their way to speech.<br />
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The advantage of singing words rather than speaking them is that there is more time to think about a word you sing than there is to think about a word you speak. Singing words gives the person with aphasia a moment to rehearse the word he or she wants to express and to choose the right word.<br />
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In this method of treating aphasia, the therapist first teaches single-syllable words, tapping on the patient's hand as he or she speaks the word being taught. As the therapy progresses to multi-syllable words, the therapist uses just two pitches. Unstressed syllables are sung on the lower pitch, and stressed syllables are sung on the higher pitch. Gradually, the patient progresses from singing "food" to "water" to "go to the bathroom now." It may take weeks to teach just 20 to 100 words, but these will be the most important words and phrases for basic communication. In many cases, the patient will reach a point that singing is no longer necessary. The words will be spoken. In some cases, learning to sing is the first step to complete recovery of speech.<br />
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Aphasia awareness. In the United States, the National Aphasia Association names each June as Aphasia Awareness Month. The National Aphasia Association urges people to respect people with aphasia as adults—they may not have full fluency in speech, but their other mental processes are likely to be entirely intact. People who have aphasia should be addressed in simple, adult language, when the speaker is sure of having their attention, with a minimum of noise and distractions.<br />
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Give people with aphasia time to respond—and remember to include them in as many activities as possible. Including people with aphasia in social activities is enriching to them, and to the people they love.<br />
<a href=" http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/Treatment___teaching_aphasia_sufferers_to_sing_their_way_to_speech_a1420.html">read more</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-13623462975669690922010-08-18T18:07:00.000-07:002010-08-18T18:14:59.533-07:00Tools for Stroke Speech Therapy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZOKB5KZI3tXbaKNOjGv_7ZrmCQlU2AkaMACkZFeuvrm0ruQOTNjFwbXNOo81UudkGI8o7yJs5Vausz71bzRWRw2HGaaTkqFR7OiiF14YsYCYLXT4dUgU2N6G15yJ_90QUofmNgRM8acX/s1600/tools-stroke-speech-therapy-1.1-120X120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZOKB5KZI3tXbaKNOjGv_7ZrmCQlU2AkaMACkZFeuvrm0ruQOTNjFwbXNOo81UudkGI8o7yJs5Vausz71bzRWRw2HGaaTkqFR7OiiF14YsYCYLXT4dUgU2N6G15yJ_90QUofmNgRM8acX/s320/tools-stroke-speech-therapy-1.1-120X120.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.ehow.com/list_6727752_tools-stroke-speech-therapy.html"><br />
# Aphasia is the difficulty with speech suffered by those who have had brain damage caused by the stroke. Aphasia can present as difficultly expressing oneself in speaking, problems in understanding speech, and trouble with reading and writing. The National Institute of Health estimates 1 million people in the U.S. suffer from aphasia. Intensive language therapy exercises can help restore speaking and understanding ability for many of these patients.<br />
Picture Cards and Boards<br />
# Picture cards that depict daily living and everyday objects can be very helpful for aphasia patients to practice word recall, make visual connections and retrain vocal muscles. Showing the cards repeatedly and saying the words aloud exercises the muscles involved in speech and refines vocalization. Picture boards can also be used as cues to vocalizing everyday phrases and naming routine activities<br />
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Read more: Tools for Stroke Speech Therapy | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_6727752_tools-stroke-speech-therapy.html#ixzz0x0gwzr39</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-85546898382811425062010-08-16T18:48:00.000-07:002010-08-16T18:48:54.900-07:00LSU helps treat adults with communication disorders<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066944289">Research at LSU’s Communication Outcomes Research Laboratory (COR) is aimed at helping adult stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease and traumatic brain injury patients and their caregivers.</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2066944289" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMR1zx7oBvfVVaLIAqFzoIkAWL3kdI229gtDein17LDETH9zGQhCg-POkZhUnBE6fyAg38NqTRcYYhxyaWPxvGwP0O1GnePJUxC2vqIqhEel30-eswP5h1wT9j_gyh4XO4CfydIgxJGx4/s320/peo+speech+072710.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://www.2theadvocate.com/features/99291454.html">“We work with the LSU Speech, Language, Hearing Clinic to be sure students receive training in the most current therapy practices,” said Neila J. Donovan, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders and director of COR.....next</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-68672919396147480042009-09-26T14:19:00.000-07:002009-09-26T14:20:14.314-07:00Family Doctor: Pick’s disease affects person’s ability to speak<div class="byline accent"><a href="http://www.cantonrep.com/lifestyle/advice/x1373210270/Family-Doctor-Pick-s-disease-affects-person-s-ability-to-speak">By Peter Gott, M.D.</a></div> <div><a href="http://www.cantonrep.com/lifestyle/advice/x1373210270/Family-Doctor-Pick-s-disease-affects-person-s-ability-to-speak"><b>United Media</b></a></div> <div class="timestamp"><a href="http://www.cantonrep.com/lifestyle/advice/x1373210270/Family-Doctor-Pick-s-disease-affects-person-s-ability-to-speak">Posted Aug 29, 2009 @ 11:54 AM</a></div> <hr class="m5v"> <a href="http://www.cantonrep.com/lifestyle/advice/x1373210270/Family-Doctor-Pick-s-disease-affects-person-s-ability-to-speak"><strong>Q: </strong>My loved one has primary progressive aphasia. He cannot remember anyone’s name, including his own. All nouns are forgotten, and even 30 seconds after you remind him, he has forgotten again. This is a horrible disease.<br /><br /><strong>A: </strong>Primary progressive aphasia (also known as frontotemporal dementia or Pick’s disease) is a rare neurological condition that affects a person’s ability next....</a> <input id="gwProxy" type="hidden"><!--Session data--><input onclick="jsCall();" id="jsProxy" type="hidden"><div id="refHTML"></div>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-77477209982133833822009-04-29T13:15:00.000-07:002009-04-29T13:21:37.990-07:00When speech is a problem after a stroke?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs00b59xtkagxJUDRaiRAV7U7jTs5EJ-VgO9TjwmFTegG0wpuNMYZyQZIvv12SY9897XUC29Zg5Z8Um1Diz99s36uZYhx2Mgp27uAKx2_sCV9pvF379EwhbdGB_d0Q-9BBXL7CknhKMD7A/s1600-h/1224243717149_1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 102px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs00b59xtkagxJUDRaiRAV7U7jTs5EJ-VgO9TjwmFTegG0wpuNMYZyQZIvv12SY9897XUC29Zg5Z8Um1Diz99s36uZYhx2Mgp27uAKx2_sCV9pvF379EwhbdGB_d0Q-9BBXL7CknhKMD7A/s400/1224243717149_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330210569185029218" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"><br /><span class="caption" id="thumbcaption">MRI scan of a healthy brain: Blockage of blood vessels appear as "bright spots" on certain types of MRI scans.</span><br /></a><h1><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"><span class="image-info" id="thumbinfo">Photograph: Science Photo Library</span></a></h1><div class="article-extension"><div class="content"><h1><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"> In this section <b>»</b></a></h1><ul class="pointed-list"><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Marriage found not guilty of killing romance</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Not for those who are shy of the needle</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">'I love the permanency of tattoos: you take them with you forever'</a></li></ul></div></div><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"><span class="headline-info">THOMAS LYNCH</span></a><p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"><strong>MEN'S HEALTH MATTERS:</strong> There are a number of ways communication can be improved</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"><strong>Q My father has just had a stroke and is having difficulty talking to us and it appears he doesn’t understand what we say. This is very distressing both for my dad and our family and I wonder what can be done about it.</strong></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">A It sounds like your father has aphasia which is a difficulty with language following a stroke. As you rightly say this can be very distressing and can often be very frustrating for a patient. Aphasia can affect expression (difficulty finding words and formulating sentences), understanding what you say (particularly longer sentences and complex questions), and sometimes reading and writing.</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">The speech and language therapist (SLT) in his hospital will assess his language skills, help you to find ways to communicate more easily, and will work through a communication treatment programme which will be aimed at improving his communication skills. The following is a list of tips you can employ to help communicate with him:</a></p> <ul><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Reduce background distractions.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Gain his attention by touching his arm/say his name before starting to speak.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Slow your own rate of speech when talking to him.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Reduce sentence length.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Stress key words.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Talk about events and people familiar to him.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Encourage all attempts at communication (speech, gestures, writing).</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Give him ample time to respond to you.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Offer alternatives (eg, “do you want tea or coffee?”).</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Encourage description of an item if he can’t think of the word.</a></li><li><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">Use yes/no questions if he is having severe difficulty (eg, is it in the room? is it something you eat?).</a></li></ul> <p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html">He may also have a speech problem: dysarthria, where his speech may sound slurred due to muscle weakness, or dyspraxia, where he may use the wrong sounds when speaking due to muscle inco-ordination.</a></p><a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/health/2009/0331/1224243717149.html"> The speech and language therapist will assess his speech and provide appropriate treatment. If speec.......next.....</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-72561938622564537692009-04-23T09:24:00.000-07:002009-04-23T09:25:36.901-07:00Direct Contact - finally<a href=" http://www.paul-moor.com/2009/04/20/direct-contact-finally/">The brain is like any other organ: when it is damaged a functional unit (like speech) will compensate by using surviving, but often less efficient, pathways to transmit the nerve impulses. And perhaps it may even develop some new pathways. One problem with brain injury is that neural tissue is probably the slowest to repair or regenerate of any in the body. Another problem is that brain functions are so incredibly complex with innumerable modulating interconnections that are built up over a lifetime of hearing, see..NEXT>></a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-27894007345347522422008-06-28T17:30:00.000-07:002008-06-28T17:37:50.313-07:00Brain injury can affect ability to communicate<span style="font-size:100%;">Brain injury can affect ability to communicate<june is="" awareness="" affects="" about="" one="" 250="" most="" people="" have="" never="" heard="" it="" until="" family="" member="" friend="" acquires="" describes="" an="" impairment="" the="" effects="" of="" aphasia="" may="" include="" a="" loss="" or="" reduction="" in="" ability="" to="" read="" and="" while="" intelligence="" sometimes="" remains=""><aphasics may="" have="" great="" difficulty="" finding="" a="" word="" that="" might="" want="" use="" only="" single="" when="" they="" used="" to="" speak="" or="" sometimes="" speaking="" in="" which="" sounds="" like="" words="" and="" sentences="" but="" makes="" no=""></aphasics></june></span><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Aphasia is always due to injury to the brain, most commonly from a stroke (about 25 to 40 percent of stroke survivors acquire aphasia). Brain injuries resulting in aphasia may also arise from head trauma, from brain tumors or from infections. The condition is determined by the location and size of the area of damage in the brain.</a></span></p><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">You can help</a></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Improvement is a slow process that usually involves helping the individual and family understand the nature of aphasia and learning possible strategies for communicating.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Depression is a common side effect of a stroke. Watch carefully for signs and let the doctor know about these signs. Aphasics often want to stay by themselves.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Try to work with your loved one and include him or her in family activities. Taking the person out helps to socialize again.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Singing taps into right-brain stimulation and helps the left brain reorganize after a stroke. Sing songs such as "Happy Birthday," or recite rote things we knew as children, even the rosary. Also, give compliments such as, "you're getting better and better every day."</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Suggestions for daily exercises include:</a></span></p><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Speak in simple sentences and try to stick to one idea and one action. Spend time reading to your loved one or talking about your day.</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Give the person with aphasia time to speak and do not finish the person's sentences unless asked. Praise any efforts the person makes to speak. Be sensitive to background noise and turn off competing sounds such as radios or TVs where possible.</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Be open to means of communicating other than speech, such as drawings and gesturing.</a></span><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Don't be alarmed if the person cries easily or laughs inappropriately. Impulse control is often affected by stroke but can get better.</a></span></p><h3><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">For more resources</a></span></h3> <p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024">Call the Allied Health licensing board at 734-7406 for a list of speech/language pathologists who provide therapy for aphasics. The purpose of speech therapy is to help the patient to fully utilize remaining skills and to learn compensatory means of communication. A stroke support group is in the planning stages.</a></span></p><p><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.guampdn.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080615/LIFESTYLE/806150330/1024"><i>Renee Veksler is a Guam Memorial Hospital health educator and a community partner with the Get Healthy Guam Coalition. She may be contacted at 647-2350/1.</i></a></span></p> </li>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-83429076614070305212008-03-16T14:36:00.001-07:002008-03-16T14:39:10.938-07:00Wernicktionary<a href="http://lailamalani.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/wernicktionary/"><a href="http://lailamalani.wordpress.com/2008/02/23/wernicktionary/"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidpbeolmMa3cHkIEx5GwKkl-jrqqIMUEa_wqOwevVflmLkRHfm9w4P_o8uf-eBTlM1TEpeSnek8ASnReFO3o1bR3EMk_3awyBRjMdS4SCTWuyLch1wJaDXKiRXxqe7lyx504obYe-L-6K/s1600-h/snickers.thumbnail.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiidpbeolmMa3cHkIEx5GwKkl-jrqqIMUEa_wqOwevVflmLkRHfm9w4P_o8uf-eBTlM1TEpeSnek8ASnReFO3o1bR3EMk_3awyBRjMdS4SCTWuyLch1wJaDXKiRXxqe7lyx504obYe-L-6K/s200/snickers.thumbnail.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5178456821313232002" /></a><br />After discussing the devastating social consequences following a lesion in Wernicke’s area, I was motivated to delve deeper into the functions of this area. Present research has classified Wernicke’s aphasia as “an impairment of language comprehension and in speech that has a natural-sounding rhythm and a relatively normal syntax, but otherwise has not recognizable meaning.” Are researchers, therefore, claiming that there is no pattern or rhyme and reason to the speech produced by these patients? I have trouble fully believing such a statement when we are still so limited in our understanding of the inner workings of the mind. The example given in class was: “I called my mother on the television and did not understand the door. It was too breakfast, but they came from far to near. My mother is not too old for me to be young.” Although...</a></a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-60464941180341812012008-03-16T08:27:00.000-07:002008-03-16T08:28:11.635-07:00Symptoms of Motor Aphasia<a href="http://healthblognews.com/2008/02/04/symptoms-of-motor-aphasia/">Symptoms of Motor Aphasia.–The patient cannot make the muscles of the<br />larynx, tongue, palate and lips perform their functions and produce<br />speech. The patient knows what he wishes to say, but cannot pronounce it.<br />This may be complete or partial. Complete, when the patient can only utter<br />separate sounds. Partial, when the words are only slightly mispronounced<br />and when some certain words cannot be pronounced at all. In some cases,<br />nouns only or verbs cannot be pronounced. Agraphia, means inability to<br />write down the thoughts. Sensory aphasia: word deafness. This is an....</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-31267187164292881442008-03-15T18:23:00.000-07:002008-03-15T18:24:29.839-07:00QotD: What's in a Name?<a href="http://xaphas1a.vox.com/library/post/qotd-whats-in-a-name.html?_c=feed-atom">It's been my s/n or username for everything for a few years now..<br />& it stands for Aphasia<br />a·pha·sia = n. Partial or total loss of the ability to articulate ideas or comprehend spoken or written language, resulting from damage to the brain caused by injury or disease.<br /><br /><br />I heard it one time & thought it sounded cool, idk? lol</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-43623499218083268052008-01-17T17:14:00.000-08:002008-01-17T17:18:20.613-08:00Stroke Blog<a href="http://stroke.about.com/b/2007/12/24/aphasia-prognosis-what-does-it-mean-to-know.htm"><br />From Jose Vega M.D., Ph.D.,<br />Your Guide to Stroke.<br />Recently, someone I know whose husband became aphasic from a stroke asked me whether she would ever be able to again have a normal conversation with her husband. I knew that her husband's stroke was large, but based on that I did not feel I had enough information to make a meaningful comment about recovery. I told her, in one sentence, everything I knew about the prognosis of aphasia after stroke: "at least some partial recovery should happen by the third month after the stroke, and after that, your husband will probably continue to recover slowly over the years". Worried that she would not be able to enjoy another conversation with her husband, she then asked me how much function he would be able to recover. "Will he be able to talk to me again?"<br /><br />I was at a loss. In spite of great advances in stroke neurology, little is known about the recovery of language function after stroke. Some studies have shown that some language ability can be recovered by the third month after a stroke, while other studies suggest that recovery can continue to happen gradually for many years. However, the degree of recovery a person will experience has traditionally been difficult to predict, at least in the early days after a stroke. The reason for this uncertainty is that almost anything can happen in language recovery after stroke. Some small strokes affecting language areas can cause permanent language deficits while some very large ones can induce minor, transient impairments, or no impairments at all. The only known predictor of recovery is how good a person's language function is before they suffer a stroke. Other factors like age, education, and even the size of the stroke provide no help in predicting language recovery.<br /><br />For stroke doctors, knowing the potential for language recovery early after a stroke represents more than just the ability to answer the prognosis-related questions of patients and their families. Recent research shows that in the first few hours after a stroke the function of the brain undergoes some degree of reorganization by which some of the parts which are spared by the stroke appear to start working overtime, perhaps in an attempt to recover lost function . By studying these changes in the brains of patients who regain language function after stroke, scientists can identify parts of the brain which are involved in recovery, and implement therapies that enhance function in those areas.<br /><br />However, before any conclusions can be reached, further research is needed to understand what these early changes in brain function after stroke mean and whether they can be used to induce recovery in the early stages after a stroke.</a>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-15420011890400584622007-07-01T09:13:00.000-07:002007-07-01T09:15:26.849-07:00Column: Aphasia affects language skills, but can be overcome<span class="bodytext"><p><br /></p></span><span class="bodytext"><p>June is National Aphasia Awareness Month. Aphasia is the total or partial inability to use or understand language. It is typically the result of stroke, brain disease or injury. These patients have no intellectual impairment and no outward sign of handicap.</p><p>There are two broad categories of aphasia:</p></span><p><br /></p><p> 1. Non-fluent, or motor aphasia, is an inability to enunciate words. Patients with this form of aphasia fully understand language and accommodate for their loss of speech by writing or drawing responses. </p><p>2. Fluent, or receptive aphasia, is an inability to understand words. These patients will often have difficulty finding the right word or following a command. They will sometimes make up new words to try and express their thoughts.</p><p>Injuries causing aphasia involve the dominant brain hemisphere that contains the neural pathways necessary for speech. In 95 percent of right-handed people and the majority of left-handed people, this is the left hemisphere.</p><p>Aphasia is a treatable condition. Speech pathologists are trained to perform detailed testing to fully analyze the extent of the impairment and implement a rehabilitation program. These programs require intense effort and patience on the part of people with aphasia. Newly designed computer software provides drills for patients as they retrain the neural pathways necessary for speech. Recovery is often incomplete and can be frustrating for patients and those around them. Speaking slowly is essential, as is calmly waiting for a response. Aphasic patients are not deaf, yet there is often an inclination to speak loudly to someone who has a speech deficit.</p><p>Aphasia is a fascinating neurological condition. If you would like more information regarding aphasia, visit the Web site of The National Aphasia Association at <a href="http://www.aphasia.org/" target="_blank">www.aphasia.org</a>. If someone you know is recovering from aphasia, applaud their efforts and never underestimate their intellectual ability. </p>iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-2533048381007507682007-02-16T23:26:00.001-08:002007-02-18T10:47:39.751-08:00Aphasia (NORD Guide to Rare Disorders)Excerpt about 'Aphasia' from the book "NORD Guide to Rare Disorders" (Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) <br /><br /><br />Aphasia (also called dysphasia), impaired expression or comprehension of written or spoken language, reflects disease or injury of the brain’s language centers. (See Where language originates.) Depending on severity, aphasia may slightly impede communication or may make it impossible. It can be classified as Broca’s, Wernicke’s, anomic, or global. Anomic aphasia eventually resolves in more than 50% of patients, but global aphasia is usually irreversible. (See Identifying types of aphasia, page 58.) <br /><br />▲TopEmergency Actions<br />Quickly look for signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as pupillary changes, decreased level of consciousness (LOC), vomiting, seizures, bradycardia, widening pulse pressure, and irregular respirations. If you detect increased ICP, administer mannitol I.V. to decrease cerebral edema. Also, make sure that emergency resuscitation equipment is readily available to support respiratory and cardiac function, if necessary. You may have to prepare the patient for emergency surgery. <br />▲TopHistory <br />If the patient doesn’t display signs of increased ICP, or if his aphasia has developed gradually, perform a thorough neurologic examination, starting with the patient’s history. You’ll probably need to obtain this history from the patient’s family or companion because of the patient’s impairment. Ask if the patient has a history of headaches, hypertension, seizure disorders, or drug use. Also ask about the patient’s ability to communicate and to perform routine activities before aphasia began. <br /><br />▲TopPhysical assessment <br />Check for obvious signs of neurologic deficit, such as ptosis or fluid leakage from the nose and ears. Take the patient’s vital signs and assess his LOC. Be aware, though, that assessing LOC is typically difficult because the patient’s verbal responses may be unreliable. Also, recognize that dysarthria (impaired articulation due to weakness or paralysis of the muscles necessary for speech) or speech apraxia (inability to voluntarily control the muscles of speech) may accompany aphasia; so speak slowly and distinctly, and allow the patient ample time to respond. Assess the patient’s pupillary response, eye movements, and motor function, especially his mouth and tongue movement, swallowing ability, and spontaneous movements and gestures. To best assess motor function, first demonstrate the motions and then have the patient imitate them. <br /><br />▲TopMedical causes <br />▲TopAlzheimer’s disease <br />With Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative disease, anomic aphasia may begin insidiously and then progress to severe global aphasia. Associated signs and symptoms include behavioral changes, loss of memory, poor judgment, restlessness, myoclonus, and muscle rigidity. Incontinence is usually a late sign. <br /><br />▲TopBrain abscess <br />Any type of aphasia may occur with brain abscess. Usually, aphasia develops insidiously and may be accompanied by hemiparesis, ataxia, facial weakness, and signs of increased ICP. <br /><br />▲TopBrain tumor <br />A brain tumor may cause any type of aphasia. As the tumor enlarges, other aphasias may occur along with behavioral changes, memory loss, motor weakness, seizures, auditory hallucinations, visual field deficits, and increased ICP. <br /><br />▲TopCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease <br />Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rapidly progressive dementia accompanied by neurologic signs and symptoms, such as myoclonic jerking, ataxia, aphasia, vision disturbances, and paralysis. It generally affects adults ages 40 to 65. <br /><br />▲TopEncephalitis <br />Encephalitis usually produces transient aphasia. Its early signs and symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting. Seizures, confusion, stupor or coma, hemiparesis, asymmetrical deep tendon reflexes, positive Babinski’s reflex, ataxia, myoclonus, nystagmus, ocular palsies, and facial weakness may accompany aphasia. <br /><br />▲TopHead trauma <br />Any type of aphasia may accompany severe head trauma; typically, aphasia occurs suddenly and may be transient or permanent, depending on the extent of brain damage. Associated signs and symptoms include blurred or double vision, headache, pallor, diaphoresis, numbness and paresis, cerebrospinal otorrhea or rhinorrhea, altered respirations, tachycardia, behavioral changes, and increased ICP. <br /><br />▲TopSeizures <br />Seizures and the postictal state may cause a transient aphasia if the seizures involve the language centers. <br /><br />▲TopStroke <br />The most common cause of aphasia, stroke may also produce Wernicke’s, Broca’s, or global aphasia. Associated findings include decreased LOC, right-sided hemiparesis, homonymous hemianopia, paresthesia, and loss of sensation. These signs and symptoms may appear on the left side if the right hemisphere contains the language centers. (See Associated disorder: Stroke.) <br /><br />▲TopTransient ischemic attack <br />Transient ischemic attacks can produce any type of aphasia, which occurs suddenly and resolves within 24 hours of the attack. Associated signs and symptoms include transient hemiparesis, hemianopia, and paresthesia (all usually right-sided), dizziness, and confusion. <br /><br />▲TopSpecial considerations <br />Immediately after aphasia develops, the patient may become confused or disoriented. Help to restore a sense of reality by frequently telling him what has happened, where he is and why, and what the date is. Carefully explain diagnostic tests, such as skull X-rays, computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, angiography, and EEG. Later, expect periods of depression as the patient recognizes his disability. Help him to communicate by providing a relaxed, accepting environment with a minimum of distracting stimuli. <br /><br />▲TopPediatric pointers <br />Recognize that the term childhood aphasia is sometimes mistakenly applied to children who fail to develop normal language skills but who aren’t considered mentally retarded or developmentally delayed. Aphasia refers solely to loss of previously developed communication skills. <br /><br />Brain damage associated with aphasia in children most commonly follows anoxia — the result of near drowning or airway obstruction. <br /><br />▲TopPatient counseling <br />Assist the patient with an alternate means of communication, such as a communication board. If aphasia is due to a stroke, teach the patient to reduce risk factors, such as not smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. <br /><br />Copyright Details: NORD Guide to Rare Disorders, Copyright © 2003 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-53849575930917800692007-02-16T23:23:00.000-08:002007-02-18T10:48:00.623-08:00Aphasia (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)Aphasia (In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)<br /><br /> <br />Excerpt about 'Aphasia' from the book "In a Page: Signs and Symptoms" (Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins) <br /><br /><br />Aphasia refers to the inability to understand or express written or spoken words, despite preservation of the mechanical or visual means to do so; thus, facial weakness, oropharyngeal paresis, or primary disturbances of vision and hearing do not constitute aphasia. To localize the lesion within the cerebrum, aphasias are generally separated into receptive (Wernicke's aphasia) or expressive (Broca's aphasia) types. Further subgroups include anomic, conduction, and transcortical sensory, and transcortical motor. <br /><br />▲TopDifferential Diagnosis <br /><br />Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia <br />–Sudden onset suggests cerebral embolization from a cardiac (e.g., endocarditis, atrial fibrillation) or carotid artery source <br />–A stuttering onset suggests in situ arterial thrombosis <br />Less common etiologies include Alzheimer's dementia, postconcussion syndrome, Rasmussen's encephalitis, nonconvulsive status epilepticus, dissociative state, subdural hematoma, trauma, severe hypoglycemia, sedative-hypnotic drug intoxication, sensorineural hearing loss, herpes encephalitis, and tertiary syphilis <br />Types of aphasias <br />Receptive (Wernicke's) aphasia <br />–Inability to name objects, follow written or spoken commands, and repeat <br />–Verbal (semantic, neologistic) errors are abundant; however, speech is fluent <br />–Localized to the dominant posterior superior temporal lobe <br />Expressive (Broca's) aphasia <br />–Stuttering, nonfluent speech with literal (phonemic) errors; however, comprehension is preserved <br />–Repetition is poor, but naming is preserved <br />–Associated with hemiparesis <br />–Localized to the inferior lateral dominant frontal lobe <br />Anomic aphasia <br />–Isolated inability to name a seen object <br />–Localized to the angular gyrus <br />Conduction aphasia <br />–Isolated inability to repeat <br />–Localized to the arcuate fasiculus (white matter band connecting Wernicke to Broca areas) <br />Transcortical sensory aphasia <br />–Similar to Wernicke's aphasia, except for preserved repetition <br />–Localized to the superior posterior temporal lobe <br />Transcortical motor aphasia <br />–Similar to Broca's aphasia, but with preserved repetition, including urinary incontinence, echolalia (aimlessly repeating other's spoken words) <br />–Localized to medial dominant frontal lobe <br /><br />▲TopWorkup and Diagnosis <br /><br />History and physical examination <br />–History should include a complete past medical history, family history, psychiatric history, and medication history <br />–Exam should include a comprehensive neurologic exam, cardiovascular exam, and head and neck exam <br />–Fever and headache with aphasia suggests embolization from endocarditis or herpes simplex encephalitis <br />–Gradual onset with other signs of intellectual decline suggests dementia <br />The cornerstone of diagnosis is cerebral imaging (MRI has the highest sensitivity and specificity) <br />Initial laboratory tests should include CBC, electrolytes, BUN/creatinine, calcium, glucose, RPR, and vitamin B12 level <br />Consider toxicology screen <br />Echocardiography (transesophageal echocardiogram is best) and blood cultures may be indicated to diagnose endocarditis <br />CSF analysis and EEG to diagnose viral encephalitis versus status epilepticus <br />Psychometric testing necessary for dementia <br />Normal brain imaging with or without associated psychiatric signs may suggest status epilepticus, hypoglycemia, or a dissociative state <br /><br />▲TopTreatment <br /><br />Embolic stroke: Anticoagulation; however, if secondary to endocarditis, do not initiate anticoagulation, because of increased risk of hemorrhage; instead, treat with antibiotics <br />Thrombotic stroke: Antiplatelet therapy (e.g., aspirin or clopidogrel) and risk factor reduction (e.g., lipid and hypertension therapy) <br />Viral encephalitis: IV acyclovir for 10–14 days <br />Dementia: Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are of variable effectiveness in Alzheimer's disease <br />Status epilepticus: IV lorazepam and anticonvulsants <br />Hypoglycemia and other electrolyte abnormalities: Correction of underlying metabolic problem <br />Dissociative state: Oral or IV benzodiazepines may “break the spell” of psychiatric separation of attention from the environment; ECT may be necessary <br />Speech therapy is useful to help maintain motivation to improve language function and avoid depression from communication impairmentiRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8080796324391463773.post-14404146799597045662007-02-15T22:57:00.000-08:002007-02-18T10:48:25.317-08:00What is adult aphasia. . .Aphasia is the condition in which an individual has difficulty expressing thoughts and understanding what is said or written by others. Aphasia is caused by brain damage, resulting most often from a stroke or direct injury to the head.<br /><br /><br />What are some of the language problems associated with aphasia?<br /><br /> Persons with aphasia will have difficulty understanding what is said to them and expressing their own thoughts. They will also have reduced ability to read, write, gesture, or use numbers. Speech may be limited to short phases or single words such as names of objects or actions. Frequently, the smaller words in speech are left out so that the sentence is shortened to "key words" like a telegram. The word order may be incorrect, or the message may be turned around and difficult to understand. Sometimes, sounds and words get changed, for example, calling a table a "chair" or calling a bank teller a "tank beller." Nonsense words like "baba" or "shanna" may even be used. Some people with aphasia may produce speech with obvious effort and misarticulations. The most common characteristic is difficulty in naming. The person with aphasia may know what to do with a toothbrush, for example, but will have forgotten what to call it. Contact us for more information.<br /><br /><br />Why does it take a person with aphasia so long to respond?<br /><br /> Persons with aphasia need extra time to understand what is being said to them. They hear the words, but they may not immediately recall the meaning of the word. In some cases, it may sound to the person with aphasia as if the speaker is talking in a foreign language. In addition, they need time to think of the words they want to use. Once individuals with aphasia think of the word they want to use, will they remember it? Often they will forget the word once they use it and will have to renew the searching process when they need it again. Their child's name, for example. They may say it several times, but then not be able to recall the name a few minutes later.<br /><br /><br />Is it typical for individuals with aphasia to swear?<br /><br /> Yes, many times they retain certain automatic responses, such as swearing, counting, naming the days of the week and social responses, such as "fine," "thanks," and "hi." Don't criticize them for swearing. They often won't realize they're saying anything inappropriate.<br /><br /><br />What other problems can be caused by a stroke or head injury?<br /><br /> Some individuals may have trouble pronouncing words properly. Their speech may be slurred. They may also be more emotional. For example, they may become frustrated more easily, and they may laugh or cry excessively. They may also be confused or forgetful at times. Contact us for more information.<br /><br /><br />What are some of the physical problems connected with brain damage?<br /><br /> Aphasia usually is caused by injury to the left side of the brain. When one side of the brain is hurt, the opposite side of the body is affected. Often times persons with aphasia have a weakness of the right arm and leg. Vision may also be affected. In fewer instances, seizures will occur.<br /><br /><br />What is spontaneous recovery?<br /><br /> As the body recovers from the brain damage on a physical level, some individuals with aphasia will regain former skills, like talking or writing. Improvement may be within days or continue for at least six months, or even longer. This immediate improvement is called spontaneous recovery. Spontaneous recovery seldom produces complete return of function, however.<br /><br /><br />What help is available for the person with aphasia?<br /><br /> There is help, both for the person with aphasia and for the family who needs to understand aphasia. The speech-language pathologist is the professional who is trained at the master's or doctoral level to evaluate the problem and execute a rehabilitation plan. Although few people can be "cured," most can be helped. Your speech-language pathologist will be licensed by the state of NJ and will hold the Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and/or licensing from your state.<br /><br /><br />How soon should an individual with aphasia see a speech-language pathologist?<br /><br /> Usually within the first few days following the injury. In addition to providing help for speech and language recovery, the speech-language pathologist can offer hope to the individual and guidance for the family. Often the testing information obtained by the speech-language pathologist will be helpful to the medical staff in caring for the person with aphasia. Contact us for more information.<br /><br /><br />Can family and friends help?<br /><br /> Family members and friends are a vital part of the rehabilitation program. The more they understand the problem, the more they can help the recovery of the person with aphasia. The speech-language pathologist will work closely with the family to help them help their loved one.iRDMunihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09885805731977569538noreply@blogger.com0