Question
I have a client aged 44 years who has been diagnosed with Anarthria. He lost his ability to speak following stroke a year ago. CT scan had revealed HTN posterior circulation stroke with pontine, cerebellar (left) infarct. He is immobile owing to the quadr
Answer
I would recommend an augmentative communication device at this time. Since he is 12 months post CVA and has intact cognition and receptive language abilities, he is probably very frustrated and depressed about his very limited expressive abilities. The primary goal is expression thru augmentative communication devices. There are very good eye gaze systems available, but there is one is particular that I would recommend and it is the Erica System. By using his eyes, he can gain complete control over a computer and use the AAC software that can run on a personal computer. The ERICA system translates eye movement into cursor movement, moving the computer's cursor to exactly where the user looks on the screen. His caretakers will need training in set up and since I have been thru this training and use it with one of my patients, I can tell you that it is easy to learn. This system can also be programmed for environmental controls. He is a young person with a CVA who is probably used to using computers and would find this system motivating, challenging and very positive.
Heidi Williams is a staff speech pathologist at the Dayton VAMC and this is her 25th year at this facility. She is very devoted to the veteran population where she has gained a lot of experience with CVA and other neurological - communication disorders. Heidi authored the policy titled, "Management of Patients with Swallowing and Feeding Disorders" and chairs the Dysphagia Management Team. Patients with dysphagia make up a large part of her caseload. Prior to her VA experience, Heidiworked with children in the school system in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Heidi Williams, M.S.,CCC-SLP
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