Not being able to communicate after having a stroke is common but can be frightening and stressful for the person. Aphasia, a post-stroke communication problem, often occurs, affecting the person’s speech, reading, and language comprehension. However, with the help of speech therapy, these skills can be improved on the road to recovery.

How to Use Speech Therapy Exercises for Aphasia

How Aphasia Happens

When having a stroke, your brain’s blood supply is cut off because of a blocked artery or leaking blood vessel. Because of this injury, the person may experience slurred speech along with paralysis on one side of the body. Aphasia from stroke is caused by dying brain cells and the lack of blood supply to the area of the brain responsible for speech. The effect may result in slight or severe impairments, from not being about to say what you want or to understand what others are saying.

Using Speech Therapy

Most people dealing with aphasia can improve over time with the help of a speech-language pathologist, or speech therapist. The therapist uses various tests to assess the severity of the condition and determine which type of aphasia they have. Due to the brain’s ability to use other parts of itself to compensate for the injured area, called “neuroplasticity,” the speech therapist can work with the patient to improve their communication skills.

Best Exercises to Use

A speech therapist may use practical and physical exercises to improve a person’s speech. Physical exercises include tongue mobility and practicing smiling to help the person improve their control over their mouth and speech. Practical exercises may include working on the sounds of vowels and consonants or a mixture of both. Repetition is important for speech therapy in order to train the brain’s neuroplasticity. Families and caretakers are usually encouraged to help the patient with exercises at home. With therapy, wonderful results are possible.

If you or a loved one needs speech therapy or other rehabilitation services, turn to Atmore Nursing Center in Escambia County, AL. The trained and qualified staff is dedicated to helping people overcome any issues and offer speech and physical therapy. Their services also include assisted living, rehabilitation, and respite care. Call (251) 368-9121 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their facilities.