What is acquired brain injury?
Acquired brain injury (ABI) refers to any brain damage that occurs after birth as a result of an external or internal cause: stroke (cerebrovascular accident), traumatic brain injury (TBI), brain tumours, cerebral anoxia, central nervous system infections or other neurological conditions. These lesions can result in a wide range of sequelae, the most notable being disorders of language, speech, cognition and swallowing, which are the areas addressed by specialised speech therapy.
Disorders we treat
Aphasia
Acquired language disorder affecting oral and/or written communication. Can affect comprehension, expression, reading and writing.
Dysarthria
Motor speech disorder causing difficulties in articulation, resonance, prosody and speech intelligibility.
Apraxia of speech
Motor speech disorder characterised by difficulties in planning and programming the movements required for speech.
Neurological dysphagia
Swallowing disorder secondary to neurological pathology that may pose a risk of aspiration and respiratory complications.
Cognitive-communication disorders
Communication difficulties secondary to cognitive alterations such as attention, memory, executive function and pragmatics deficits.
Neurological dysphonia
Voice disorders secondary to neurological pathology, including spastic, ataxic or extrapyramidal dysphonia.
How do we carry out the assessment?
The speech therapy assessment of a patient with brain injury is a comprehensive, multidimensional process. We use internationally validated standardised tools, such as the Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (BDAE), the Frenchay Dysarthria Assessment, and specific swallowing assessment protocols. The evaluation includes: clinical interview with the patient and family, oral and written language assessment, speech examination, swallowing assessment, communicative cognition analysis and functional communication analysis in everyday situations.
Therapeutic approach
- Early intervention based on brain neuroplasticity
- Evidence-based language rehabilitation techniques (melodic intonation therapy, PACE, conversational)
- Dysarthria treatment using articulatory exaggeration, rate control and biofeedback techniques
- Swallowing rehabilitation with compensatory manoeuvres and strengthening exercises
- Work with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems
- Guidance and training for the family and caregivers
- Coordination with the multidisciplinary team (neurology, neuropsychology, physiotherapy, occupational therapy)
Frequently asked questions
Other related services
Do you need speech therapy rehabilitation after brain injury?
Contact me for a personalised assessment and a treatment plan tailored to your case.