Speech-Language Pathologists provide evaluation and treatment for the following
problems:
Communication and cognitive problems after a stroke or brain injury
Dysarthria - a speech disorder where speech may be difficult to understand due to weakness or incoordination of the muscles of the respiratory system, voice, mouth and/or face. Dysarthria is caused by damage at or before birth, or later on due to tumors, strokes, head injuries, neurological diseases or other nervous system damage.
Apraxia (also referred to as apraxia of speech, verbal apraxia or dyspraxia) - a motor speech disorder caused by damage to the parts of the nervous system related to speaking. It is characterized by problems sequencing the sounds in syllables and words. People with apraxia know what words they want to say, but their brains have difficulty coordinating the muscle movements necessary to say those words, and they may say something completely different, even nonsensical.
Aphasia - a disorder that results from damage to language centers of the brain. As a result, people with aphasia suffer from limitation in the ability to process language. This can include difficulty with understanding, reading, speaking, writing and sometimes math. Recognizing objects/pictures and sounds (agnosia) may also be difficult, depending on the location of the brain damage.
Voice disorders such as hoarseness, vocal nodules, reflux laryngitis and
paralyzed vocal cords - A voice disorder can occur when there is a change in the way the larynx (voice box) functions, resulting in difficulty producing a normal voice. Causes can be overuse or misuse of the voice, infections or inflammatory processes, benign or malignant growths, neuromuscular diseases and/or psychological issues.
Paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM) - a laryngeal disorder causing the vocal folds to close when they should open, such as when breathing in or out. PVFM can be mistaken for asthma as it leads to noisy breathing and difficulty breathing. PVFM can co-occur with asthma, possibly as much as 50 percent of the time. Several “triggers” have been identified, which include but are no limited to, stomach acid, allergies, post nasal drip and stress.
Communication problems after surgical procedures, such as removal of the
larynx or cancers of head/neck
Swallowing difficulties (see Dysphagia for more information)
Stuttering
The following specialized services are also offered:
Language Care Center: State-of-the-art
technology to treat communication problems after a stroke or brain injury.
Swallowing studies: X-rays done with a radiologist to diagnose and treat
swallowing disorders.
Evaluate and provide equipment to supplement or replace traditional ways
of communicating.
Support Groups:
Aphasia Support Group: Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 612-863-7438
Stroke Support Group: Unity Hospital, 763-780-6721
Brain Injury Support Group:
Abbott Northwestern Hospital, 612-863-4837
Mercy Hospital, 763-422-4579.
Locations/Hours of Operation
Speech-Language Pathology is offered through the five Minneapolis-St. Paul Allina
Hospitals:
Print
Send to a Friend
Speech-Language Pathologists provide evaluation and treatment for the following
problems:
