Aphasia and Dysphagia post-stroke

Aphasia and Dysphagia are both common consequences post-stroke. Pharmacists work closely with speech and language therapists who assess patients with aphasia and dysphagia. Around a third of people who have a stroke will experience aphasia. Aphasia is caused by damage in the language centre of the brain and leads to problems in understanding and producing speech. This can be frustrating and tiresome for the patient who is trying to communicate. Understanding the type of aphasia a patient has will assist the pharmacist in tailoring effective communication strategies for  the patient.

Dysphagia means difficulty in swallowing, and around half of stroke patients may have dysphagia in the first few weeks post stroke. Dysphagia affects the patient’s ability to eat and drink safely and take oral medications. Knowing the severity of the dysphagia and what fluids consistency and food textures a patient can safely tolerate, aids the pharmacist in modifying the oral medication formulations. Dysphagia increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia and leads to impaired nutrition, which can have devastating effects on the patient.