[Long term outcome of a severe non fluent aphasia. The effect of prolonged rehabilitation].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Long-term clinical outcome of severe non-fluent aphasia is poorly reported. The efficacy of intensive speech therapy has been previously demonstrated but not the efficacy of prolonged speech rehabilitation.

METHOD:

We report a single case of aphasia, with a description of the initial clinical features and the long term outcome. Moreover we discuss the rehabilitation efficacy in two situations : delayed rehabilitation and long-lasting rehabilitation.

RESULTS:

A young adult was admitted after fronto-temporal cerebral infarction and presented with a severe non fluent aphasia. Spontaneous recovery involved comprehension but not verbal expression. Speech therapy began 10 months after onset and an improvement of oral expression was observed during at least 6 years.

DISCUSSION:

This case illustrates long term-recovery patterns of aphasia and the efficacy of delayed speech therapy, and moreover its efficacy at a long time after onset. No rehabilitation was performed during the period of spontaneous recovery. Consequently recovery of spontaneous oral expression can be attributed to speech rehabilitation. Furthermore long-lasting improvement can also be attributed to prolonged rehabilitation. Total amount of speech therapy for the patient can be similar to the amount of efficacious intensive therapy previously described.

CONCLUSION:

These findings confirm the efficacy of speech therapy in the late stage of recovery, and the possibility of late improvement after stroke.

• Authors: P Pradat-Diehl, C Tessier, A Chounlamountry
• Journal: Annales de readaptation et de medecine physique : revue scientifique de la Societe francaise de reeducation fonctionnelle de readaptation et de medecine physique (Ann Readapt Med Phys) Vol. 44 Issue 8 Pg. 525-32 (Nov 2001) ISSN: 0168-6054 [Print] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Evolution à long terme d'une aphasie non fluente sévère. Intérêt d'une rééducation prolongée.
• PMID: 11788115 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adult
• Aphasia (etiology, rehabilitation)
• Humans
• Male
• Speech Therapy
• Stroke (complications)
• Time Factors
• Treatment Outcome