Stroke

A stroke occurs when an artery in the brain bursts or becomes clogged.  The cessation of blood flow results in decreased oxygen to brain cells, ultimately causing them to die.

 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS THAT A STROKE HAS OCCURRED?

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm and/or leg
• Sudden confusion and/or difficulty understanding speech
• Trouble speaking
• Sudden difficulty seeing
• Sudden difficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance, and/or loss of coordination
• Sudden severe headache

HOW IS COMMUNICATION AFFECTED?

 

Following a stroke, some people experience speech, language (i.e., aphasia), cognitive (e.g., memory deficits, poor problem solving skills), and swallowing difficulties depending on the location and severity of the stroke. Social communication skills may also be affected (e.g., reacting inappropriately, maintaining a topic of conversation)

 

References:

 

American Speech-Language Hearing Association