How do I Regain Language Comprehension After a Stroke?

Difficulty comprehending language is known as aphasia, according to The National Aphasia Association website. Approximately 20 to 40 percent of the time, this condition is caused by a stroke or other health condition, such as a brain tumor, head injury or a neurological problem. Continuing to communicate with the world at large and learning other ways to convey your message is the best way to maintain and expand comprehension skills.

Things You'll Need

• Pen
• Notebook

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Instructions

• 1

  Remind yourself that aphasia does not affect your mental status. You are just as intelligent as before the stroke, even though you may not be able to comprehend, reply or read as easily as before.

• 2

  Instruct your friends and family members to get your full attention before speaking to you. You may need your doctor to explain this to your family members.

• 3

  Minimize background noise when listening to someone talk. Often, noise from the TV, radio or other people can distract you from focusing on the person's speech.

• 4

  Encourage others to use every means of expression they can think of to explain things to you. Whether it is gestures, facial expressions, writing you notes or drawing you pictures, anything that helps you comprehend the communication is excellent practice in regaining your skills.

• 5

  Ask your family members not to do things for you that you are able to do yourself. Maintaining your independence will strengthen your self-esteem and motivate you to continue to recover from your stroke.

• 6

  Talk for yourself, do not allow other people to answer questions for you or jump to your rescue when you can't find the right word to complete your thought. It is vital that you practice your communication skills in order to maintain them.

• 7

  Attend speech therapy according to your doctor's orders. There is no cure for aphasia, but maintaining the skills you have and learning to compensate in other ways are vital to your improvement.

• 8

  Carry a pen and a small notebook with you at all times; this will help you communicate with others more effectively when you are at a loss for words. Also, carry an identification card that explains you have aphasia; the card should list your name, address and contact numbers for your friends or family if you require help.

• 9

  Join a support group for people suffering from stroke symptoms or aphasia.