The Outlook Language ability is often disrupted in the immediate aftermath of a stroke or severe head injury. In many cases, however, even after extensive injury, language skills return to normal or near-normal spontaneously over a period of weeks or months when the brain recovers from the physical assault. Children under the age of 8 or 10 a re especially likely to recover language skills disrupted by a head injury, probably because in the young and more pliant brain healthy tissue can assume the roles once played by damaged nerve cells. But the brains of adults are less resilient, and lasting language difficulties are more likely to result. Speech therapy and counseling can be very useful to those with persistent language problems.
Therapists can train patients to use the language skills that remain intact more effectively.
They can teach both patients and families alternative means of communicating, like singing, a skill in which the ability to summon words often remains intact even when non-melodic speech is seriously disrupted. Experts say that the sooner after injury that speech therapy begins, the more effective it is likely to be. At least, therapy may help avert the serious emotional and social consequences of aphasia. Therapists and counselors can help patients find new occupations and avocations that are less dependent on language. More Help The National Aphasia Association, a patient advocacy group supported by dues and donations, can provide information and guidance for people with aphasia and their families.