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After a stroke it is very common to have communication problems. This condition known as aphasia can affect your ability to find the right words, to understand what others are saying and/or reading and writing.
What is aphasia?
If you have aphasia you may have difficulty in expressing yourself when speaking, trouble understanding speech, and difficulty with reading and writing. Aphasia is not a disease, but a symptom of brain damage. It is most commonly seen in adults who have suffered a stroke.
No two people experience aphasia the same way. The exact type will depend on what part of the brain is injured by the stroke. Generally, aphasia can be divided into four broad categories:
Can aphasia be treated?
A full recovery from aphasia is possible. Speech therapy is the most common treatment for aphasia. There are a variety of specific speech therapy exercises and techniques. Other types of therapy have also proven effective for some stroke survivors, including:
Practice at home will support professional speech therapy. Some activities to support aphasia recovery include:
Tips for communicating with aphasia
If you have aphasia, here are some tips for communicating with others:
Tips for communicating to survivors with aphasia
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