Optimal timing of speech and language therapy for aphasia after stroke: more evidence needed

Femke Nouwens, Evy Visch - Brink, MME Van de Sandt-Koenderman, Diederik Dippel, Peter Koudstaal, LML de Lau

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26 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Aphasia due to stroke affects communication and quality of life. Most stroke survivors with aphasia receive speech and language therapy. Although an early start of treatment is advocated in clinical practice, evidence for The earlier, the better in aphasia rehabilitation is weak. Hence, clinicians are faced with the dilemma of when to initiate intensive treatment: as early as possible, when most of the spontaneous recovery occurs but when patients are often ill, or later, when the patients' condition is more stabilized. Here we discuss whether aphasia outcome is affected by timing of treatment in relation to stroke onset and whether there is evidence for an optimal window of time during which language therapy should be provided. Findings from various rehabilitation research fields are discussed and combined to provide principles for future research.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Pages (from-to)885-893
Number of pages9
JournalExpert Review of Neurotherapeutics
Volume15
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015

Research programs

  • EMC COEUR-09

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