Prognosis of Aphasia Recovery

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the prognosis of aphasia recovery, aiding in understanding the factors that influence communication improvement in individuals with aphasia.

Aphasia

A chronic condition affecting communication, often resulting from brain injury.

Prognosis

The likely course and outcome of a medical condition; in this case, relating to recovery from aphasia.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

Spontaneous Recovery

The healing that the brain does on its own after injury, especially in the early stages following onset.

Lesion Location

The specific area of brain damage which impacts recovery potential, more significant than lesion size.

Acute Phase of Recovery

The initial stage following a stroke characterized by rapid improvement.

Chronic Phase of Recovery

The later stage of recovery that lasts months to years, involving compensatory reorganization.

Aphasia Severity

The initial severity of aphasia, which is the most consistent prognostic indicator.

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

A neurotrophic factor that supports neuron survival and growth, released during activity.

Social Supports

Types of assistance, such as emotional and tangible support, that can positively influence recovery.

Functional Communication

The ability to communicate effectively to meet everyday needs, which can improve even when other aspects of speech do not.

Age and Aphasia

While age itself is not a primary factor, older adults often have other health conditions affecting recovery.

Cognitive Deficits

Impairments in functions such as executive tasks that can hinder language recovery.

Aphasia Type

Different forms of aphasia (e.g., Broca's, Wernicke's) that can affect the degree of recovery.

Therapy Intensity

The amount of speech therapy provided, with greater intensity correlating to better recovery outcomes.