Brain Facts
Fill in the blank:
Aphasia is the result of a stroke on the ___ side of the brain.
Left
Myth: recovery only happens during the first three months after stroke. What is the truth?
Recovery happens forever!
What could you do if you're going out to dinner and the waitress is rushing you?
e.g., hand them your aphasia card
How would you show you're cold without words?
e.g., make a shivering gesture
How long does the brain keep changing and recovering after a stroke?
Forever!
Myth: Aphasia is rare. What is the truth?
About 1/3 of people who've had a stroke develop aphasia
What can you do if a family member/friend just said something and you missed it/didn't understand?
e.g., ask them to repeat, ask them to write it down
How could you show you're tired without words
e.g., making a yawning gesture
Explain. "Neurons that fire together, wire together."
e.g., If I work on one specific thing, that thing will improve.
Myth: Aphasia is just trouble finding words. What is the truth?
There are many different types of aphasia. Some symptoms include trouble finding words, understanding language, and difficulty with reading and writing.
What can you do if your grandchild wants you to read them a book that you cannot read?
e.g., look at pictures and work on describing them together
How would you show you're sick without words?
e.g., make a coughing gesture
What proportion of strokes lead to aphasia?
About 1/3
Myth: Everyone who has a stroke has the same problems after stroke. What's the truth?
Everyone's post-stroke experiences are different and unique to them.
What could you do if you don't understand something your doctor told you?
e.g., point to a pen for them to write something down
How could you show you're hungry without words?
e.g., rubbing your stomach, pointing to food