Communication Disorders in Neurological Rehabilitation

Our speech therapists in Neurological Rehabilitation treat individuals suffering from communication disorders. The therapy is customized to improve weakened abilities, boost remaining skills, and offer tools and strategies for compensation.
 
The therapy is personalized to each person, with the frequency and length decided by the speech therapist based on the patient's condition and needs.
 
Therapeutic aids consist of custom materials and worksheets made by the speech therapist for each patient, along with games and computer software. Alternative means of supportive communication are employed when necessary.
 
Within the Neurological Rehabilitation Department, the role of the speech therapist extends to facilitating tracheostomy weaning by evaluating swallowing functions and customising speech aids accordingly.
 
Fields of diagnosis and treatment
 
Language disorders
 

• Aphasia is a fundamental impairment in language ability. Aphasia leads to challenges in understanding and producing both spoken and written language. The severity of the impairment can vary greatly from one person to another. Treatment for the disorder is intensive and tailored to the individual.
• Cognitive-linguistic impairment - caused by traumatic brain injury.
• Speech disorders - Dysarthria - a defect in the muscular control system due to damage to the central or peripheral nervous system; Dyspraxia - the inability or impairmenin producing purposeful movement of the lips, tongue, jaw, or throat muscles.
• Treatment for these disorders focuses on strengthening and muscular control and providing strategies to improve speech structures. Daily practice is essential.     
• Voice disorders (dysphonia) - caused by damage to the central or peripheral nervous system. A speech therapist will conduct a voice assessment and, if necessary, recommend consultation with an ENT doctor and voice therapy with a speech therapist. 
• Swallowing disorders - Rehabilitating swallowing ability is crucial both medically (due to the risk of pneumonia from aspiration of food, physical deterioration due to lack of food and drink) and for morale and social interaction. Swallowing disorders may arise following head or spinal cord injuries, or as a result of various neurological conditions.