How Do SLPs help MVA Patients

SLPs are involved in the recovery process of clients with different medical conditions. In acquired brain injury through a motor vehicle accident, damage to the brain may result in trouble speaking due to physical injuries, difficulty swallowing, and not being able to understand or use language in the way that they want. SLPs can work with patients on all of these problems. In this blog post, we share why someone might work with an SLP after a motor vehicle accident.

Speech

SLPs are therapists that work with clients on their speech and language. Difficulties with speech resulting after a motor vehicle accident may include aphasia, difficulty moving the face or mouth muscles to make sounds, and trouble retrieving words from memory. Speech therapists may work with their client on aspects of speech and language such as word retrieval and word learning. They may also have their client perform exercises to improve their facial muscle mobility post-injury. In this way, SLPs work with their clients on the cognitive and physical aspects of speech.

Swallowing

Damage to the brain may result in someone having difficulty being able to swallow. SLPs work with patients who have trouble swallowing by having them perform exercises that target the muscles involved in swallowing. Working on swallowing is important not only to ensure that a client is able to swallow food and drink for nutrition, but to ensure that the client does not risk accidentally choking while consuming food. Sometimes, SLPs may use thickened liquids to help their clients become more comfortable swallowing solid foods with similar consistency.

Language Comprehension

Being able to produce language is just as important as being able to understand language. SLPs may work with clients on recognizing words they have read and heard in order to help them better comprehend spoken language. Ways SLPs may do this include using vocabulary cards, stories, and word recognition tasks. Sometimes, SLPs may have a conversation with their client and ask them questions to see if their client is able to comprehend information shared through spoken word.

Conclusion

SLPs are involved in the recovery process of many clients due to different medical conditions. Sometimes, clients who have acquired a brain injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident may work with an SLP. During their therapy, clients recovering from a brain injury resulting from a motor vehicle accident may work with an SLP on producing speech, swallowing, and understanding language. SLPs can make a world of difference for patients coming out of a motor vehicle accident by helping them be able to engage with language both cognitively and physically.

Christine Campbell

Christine is HappyNeuron Pro’s Marketing Specialist. People with intellectual disabilities have a special place in her heart. Growing up with a sibling with an autism diagnosis and intellectual disability influenced the way she views life. She is passionate about educating people about health and sharing cognitive tips.

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