Stroke

Strokes occur when normal blood supply to the brain is interrupted. Without normal blood flow, brain cells can die which leads to changes in brain function. There are two main types: ischemic and hemorrhagic.

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic strokes, the most common type, occur when a blood clot or plaque blocks a brain blood vessel. Clots can form in the brain's vessels (thrombotic stroke) or travel from elsewhere in the body, such as the heart (embolic stroke). Common causes and risk factors include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking.

Hemorrhagic Stroke

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when a weakened blood vessel ruptures and bleeds into the brain tissue. Causes include high blood pressure, aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

In addition to these primary causes, other factors such as age, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to an increased risk of stroke.

A stroke can affect speech and language in many different ways, depending on where in the brain the damage happens. Several common communication disorders can occur after stroke. Aphasia is a language disorder that can affect a person’s ability to understand and produce language, which might look like word-finding issues or difficulty following directions. Dysarthria is a speech disorder that affects the physical aspects of speaking, causing slurred speech or trouble articulating speech sounds. Changes in thinking skills can also occur, which may impact higher-level communication, as well as executive function skills and attention. These communication disorders can have a significant impact on daily life, and speech therapy can help improve symptoms.

Cognition is a complex process that relies on many different areas of the brain. Changes in cognition can include difficulty paying attention, remembering things, and making decisions. Strokes can also make it tough to plan and solve problems. Depending on where and how bad the stroke is, these problems can be different for each person.

When a person has a stroke, it can make swallowing difficult, which is a condition called dysphagia. Swallowing is an automatic process - a reflex - that we are born with the ability to do. Strokes can affect the brain's control over the muscles and nerves used for swallowing. Changes can include difficulty coordinating chewing and swallowing muscles, slow reflexes for swallowing, reduced feeling in the mouth and throat, and weaker muscle strength. Dysphagia can lead to difficulty protecting the airway, which can lead to aspiration, where food enters the airway rather than the esophagus, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

After a stroke, a speech therapist helps people recover their ability to communicate and swallow by:

1. Assessing speech, language, thinking, and swallowing to find challenges and areas for improvement.

2. Providing exercises and strategies to improve speaking, understanding, and swallowing.

3. Assisting with memory, problem-solving, and attention retraining.

4. Introducing and training people to use communication devices if speaking is difficult.

5. Providing emotional support and counseling to stroke survivors and their families.

f someone is having a stroke, you may notice these common signs. You can use the acronym FAST to help recognize and respond to a possible stroke:

1. Face: One side of the face may droop or feel numb. It may be difficult for the person to smile evenly.

2. Arm: One arm may become weak or numb. When asked to raise both arms, one arm may drift downward.

3. Speech: Speech may become slurred or hard to understand. The person may struggle to repeat a simple sentence.

4. Time: If you notice any of these signs, it's important to call for emergency help right away. Time is crucial when treating a stroke, as there are medications that can reduce the impact or reverse the effects of the stroke.