The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and types of
speech disorders in patients with
acute stroke. The study was performed in 936
acute stroke patients admitted to University Department of Neurology, Tuzla University Clinical Center, in the period from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008. Out of 936 study patients,
speech disorders were verified on admission in 771 (82.37%) patients.
Dysarthria was present in 540 (57.69%) and
aphasia in 231 (24.67%) patients. In the group with speech disturbances,
dysarthria was present in 70.04% and
aphasia in 29.96% of patients. During
hospital stay, lethal outcome was recorded in 51 patients, significantly higher in the group with
speech disorders (P = 0.004). At discharge from the hospital,
speech disorders persisted in 671 (75.81%),
dysarthria in 468 (69.75%), and different types of
aphasia in 203 (30.25%) of 885 surviving patients. Among patients with
aphasia at both admission and discharge,
global aphasia was most common, followed by
motor aphasia (Broca's
aphasia) and
nominal aphasia. Although the rate of patients with
speech disorders was lower at discharge, the difference was not statistically significant. On admission, 82.37% of patients were considered to have a speech-
language disorder,
dysarthria being most common. Concerning the type of
aphasia, global aphasia was most frequent. Study results suggested the importance and need of speech-
language therapy in the early rehabilitation of post-
stroke patients; it should be initiated during their
hospital stay and continued at long-term.