A few basic facts about stroke

The brain has a high level of demand on oxygen and nutrients taken from the body, without these it cannot function correctly. Stroke occurs when oxygen and blood flow is restricted to a part of the brain. Cells start to die after a few seconds and once dead cannot be replaced.

A stroke occurs quickly with tragic after effects to the person concerned and his/her family.

Someone suffers a stroke every 5 minutes in the UK alone; some will have what is called a mini stroke. Usually after a few days movement and other losses come back, this should to be taken seriously as it should be viewed as a warning. Others, like Chris have a major stroke. There are two main causes of stroke; one is a blood clot and the other a bleed.

If you suspect that someone is having a stroke you need to dial 999 without delay act FAST.

Aphasia

Aphasia occurs when two small areas of the brain (usually on the left side near the ear) is damaged. These two main areas are:

• Broca's area (responsible for the function of speech)
• Wernicke's area (responsible for recognition of spoken words)

Some stroke survivors are only affected by damage to one of these areas, clearly, this reduces the disability. Chris has damage to both areas; this has left him with severe disabilities.

To support Chris in his speech I worked with him to strengthen his mouth muscles first:
An excerpt from 'All For Chris' © Janet Ling MA Ed:

When a stroke occurs muscles become weak. When we use speech we do not just use our vocal cords as many people believe. The process is quite complex.

A simple diagram of the speech process.

"In Chris's case the effects of the stroke have severed the link between the input and output language areas and the processing part of the brain. He is able to understand what you are saying (most of the time) but unable to express himself in the form of speech. The repeating of sounds, words, spelling and writing helps the brain to remember."
© Janet Ling MA Ed:

As you can see from the simple diagram that the process is complex, however, I believe that stroke survivors with aphasia should have access to teaching and learning NOT just therapy. Chris is taught through a basic learning process that is repeated, once learnt, the words / actions/ understanding and comprehension move from his short term memory to his long term memory where it can be stored and reused.

Chris and I continue to work on new words, sentences and phrases each week. His brain is now processing quicker than when he first had the stroke and he learns new things much quicker now than six months ago.

Our message to you: keep going you will see the benefits at some point, be patient.

Janet and Chris

Supporting Stroke is a UK based independent help and resource website for stroke