Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury

Stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) can significantly affect a person’s ability to communicate, think, and swallow. The impact can range from mild and subtle to more complex and life-altering, and no two individuals experience recovery in the same way. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) play a key role in helping individuals regain skills, develop effective strategies, and improve quality of life following neurological injury.

Common Challenges After Stroke or TBI

Language Difficulties (Aphasia)
Aphasia affects the ability to understand language and/or express thoughts through speaking, writing, or reading. Individuals may struggle with:

  • Word finding and naming

  • Understanding spoken or written language

  • Forming complete or accurate sentences

  • Reading comprehension or written expression

Speech Disorders (Apraxia and Dysarthria)

  • Apraxia of speech involves difficulty planning and coordinating the movements needed for speech, often resulting in inconsistent errors or effortful speech.

  • Dysarthria occurs when muscle weakness or poor coordination affects speech clarity, loudness, or rate. Speech may sound slurred, slow, or monotone.

Swallowing Difficulties (Dysphagia)
Neurological injury can disrupt the muscles and coordination needed for safe swallowing. Signs may include coughing or choking during meals, difficulty chewing, food sticking, or recurrent pneumonia. Dysphagia can increase the risk of dehydration, malnutrition, and aspiration if not properly managed.

Cognitive-Communication Deficits
Stroke and TBI frequently affect thinking skills that support daily communication and independence, including:

  • Attention and concentration

  • Memory and recall

  • Processing speed

  • Organization and problem solving

  • Executive functioning (planning, self-monitoring, and flexibility)

These challenges may impact work, school, relationships, and daily routines—even when speech and language appear “normal” on the surface.

How a Speech-Language Pathologist Can Help

SLP services are individualized and goal-driven, focusing on both recovery and practical compensation strategies.

Language and Speech Therapy

  • Improve word retrieval, sentence formulation, and comprehension

  • Support clearer, more intelligible speech

  • Develop alternative or supportive communication strategies as needed

  • Build confidence in everyday conversations

Swallowing Evaluation and Treatment

  • Assess swallowing safety and efficiency

  • Provide exercises and strategies to improve swallowing function

  • Offer guidance on diet textures, pacing, and positioning when appropriate

  • Collaborate with medical providers as needed

Cognitive Rehabilitation

  • Strengthen attention, memory, and problem-solving skills

  • Teach practical strategies for managing brain fog, fatigue, and overload

  • Support return to work, school, or independent living tasks

  • Improve self-awareness and compensatory skills for daily life

Education, Counseling, and Family Support

Recovery from stroke or TBI affects more than just the individual—it impacts families and care partners as well. SLPs provide education and counseling to help everyone involved better understand the condition and the recovery process.

This may include:

  • Education about the specific deficits and what to expect over time

  • Training family members in supportive communication strategies

  • Counseling to address frustration, adjustment, and emotional changes

  • Support with healthcare navigation, advocacy, and goal setting

  • Strategies to reduce caregiver burnout and improve day-to-day interactions

Contact Us