Aphasia Foundation of the Philippines, Inc.

Aside from aphasia, ther are other speech problems that can occur when the brain is affected. These usually accompany aphasia and are oftentimes confused with it.

Sometimes, after brain injury, the muscles of the mouth, neck, and throat become weak or uncoordianted thereby affecting intelligibility of speech. This condition that affects the control of the speech muscles is known as DYSARTHRIA. Drooping of one side of the face or lips is evident. Drooling may also be present. Speech is observed as slow, effortful, and slurred. The speech pathologist can provide exercises that can strengthen the weak muscles. Another speech problem that can result from brain injury is APRAXIA. It is an impariment in the performance of voluntary movements necessary in articulation and voice production. Unlike aphasia, which is an impairment in language, dysarthria and apraxia involve problems in speech production.

Physical changes may also be observed after an injury to the brain has occurred. These changes pose an even greater challenge to the people with aphasia and their families.

Paralytic or weakness of one side of the body is known as HEMIPLEGIA or HEMIPARESIS. When injury occurs on the left side (half) of the brain, paralysis or weakness on the right side of the body will result. Likewise, an injury in the right side of the brain may leave the person paralyzed or weak on the left side of the body. Difficulty in standing, walking, and performing everyday activities are the most common problems of people with hemiplegia. Help may be sought from physical therapists and occupational thereapists who can provide exercises that will help strengthen the weak muscles. They could also teach the patients and their families techniques for carrying out daily activities using the strong arm or leg.

Swallowing disorder or DYSPHAGIA may also be present after a stroke. Your loved one may choke on solids and cough or aspirate on liquids. People with dysphagia usually are fed though a tube that goes through the nose to the stomach (NGT or naso-gastric tube) to ensure that they are well-nourished.

Another difficulty is partial blindness affecting a quarter or half of the visual field. This condition is known as HEMIANOPSIA.

People with aphasia oftentimes undergo DEPRESSION and may have difficulty controlling their feelings of frustration and anger. They may show fluctuations in moods as they may easily laugh or cry at inappropriate times. This is a common reaction to their situation or can be caused by certain chemical changes in the brain. There are certain medicines that a doctor can prescribe to treat depression. A counsellor can also offer guidance in managing feelings of irritability and sadness. The best therapy for depression may be a combination of pharmaceutical and psychological intervention.



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