The long-term consequences
The long-term consequences of a stroke of the speech center vary from individual to individual and depend to a great extent on how severely the patient is affected and which additional diseases are present. In general, patients with a mild speech disorder recover better and faster. Nevertheless, even severely affected patients can learn to speak again.
Studies show that in about one third of the patients the language recovers within the first month. After 6 months, even 44% of those affected no longer have any impairment. Speech therapy plays a central role in the recovery of speech.
The regions of the brain affected by the stroke can also have an influence on the long-term consequences. If the patient’s attention and cognitive abilities are also limited, speech rehabilitation is more difficult. Finally, the psychological consequences of disturbed communication should not be underestimated.
These can be very frustrating for the patient and cause depressive moods. The social environment can also change. The patient is no longer completely independent of others and also the relatives have to adapt to the new situation and in some cases need advice and support.
The healing
In order to regain speech functions, it is very important to start systematic speech therapy immediately. Supporting spontaneous healing in the early phase can bring great progress. It has been scientifically proven that at least 5 to 10 hours of therapy per week are necessary to demonstrably cause an improvement.
For severely affected patients, even daily speech therapy is recommended. The duration of therapy can take more than a year, depending on the severity of the speech disorder. In most cases, an individual therapy is offered at the beginning, in which speaking and understanding, but also attention is trained.
In the course of the therapy, it is also possible to carry out the therapy in a group and practice communication skills. Another important element is the involvement of the relatives. They can have a great influence on the motivation and progress of the patient.However, they sometimes need advice on how best to achieve this.
After all, certain medications can have a supportive effect parallel to speech therapy. The best thing you can do as an affected person is to practice a lot and take advantage of speech therapy. A speech disorder is a frustrating and frightening consequence of a stroke.
Many patients lose motivation and quickly become desperate. This is understandable, but practicing is the most important part of the therapy and should not be neglected. One should not only do the exercises during the therapy hours, but also the communication in everyday life, as well as the
