On this page:
Why do they happen?
What kind of communication problems do people have?
How does stroke affect communication?
Good conversations
Are there treatments that can help?
Will they get better?
Communication Support Pack
Additional support
Further information and advice
Find out more
Communication problems are very common after a stroke. Around one-third of stroke survivors have problems with speaking, reading, writing and understanding what other people say to them.
Why do they happen?
When we communicate, our brain has to complete a series of tasks. Different parts of our brains are responsible for each of these tasks. If one of these parts is damaged by a stroke, it can cause problems with communication.
What kind of communication problems do people have?
Aphasia affects your ability to speak and understand what others say. It can also affect your ability to read and write. It happens when you're no longer able to understand or use language. Aphasia is a common problem after stroke and around a third of stroke survivors have it. It will affect people in different ways and no two people will have exactly the same difficulties.
Dysarthria happens when you're not able to control the muscles in your face, mouth and throat very well, so it's difficult to speak clearly. This can mean that your speech becomes slurred or slow or that your voice sounds quiet.
Apraxia of speech is when you can't move the muscles in your face, mouth or throat in the order you need to when you're speaking. This can make it difficult for other people to understand you.
How does stroke affect communication?
Although some people assume that they do, communication problems do not affect your intelligence. If you have communication problems you have problems with the process of speaking and understanding language.
This video explains how a stroke affects communication:
Good conversations
We know how daunting it can be to try and have a conversation when you have, or know someone, with a communication difficulty.
Communication strategies will give you the confidence to have conversations and support you to learn new ways to connect.
This video shows Jan, who has aphasia, and her daughter Carly using communication strategies to have a good conversation.
Are there treatments that can help?
Communication problems can be treated using speech and language therapy.
A speech and language therapist can help you to improve your speech, reading and writing as much as possible.
They can also help you to learn other ways to communicate. These are known as compensation or coping strategies. They include anything from gestures to electronic devices - anything that can help you get across what you want to say.
If you have communication problems you should be referred to a speech and language therapist for an assessment whilst you're in the hospital. Using the results of the assessment, the therapist will set up regular sessions to work with you. This may start in the hospital, or be arranged for when you return home.
Speech and language therapy isn't just about the time you spend with your therapist. Your communication will only improve with practice, so the work you put in outside of your therapy sessions is just as important.
Physically and mentally and verbally, you need to just practise and practise and practise.
John, stroke survivor
Will they get better?
Most communication problems do improve, but it's difficult to predict how much they'll improve or how long it will take, as it's different for everyone. Problems tend to be worse in the first few weeks and will improve quite quickly within the first three to six months. However, people continue to recover for months and even years after this.
For most people, getting better is about returning to the way they were before their stroke. Being able to speak again is particularly important for a lot of people.
But even if you don't recover completely, there are many ways to communicate that don't rely on speaking. Lots of stroke survivors continue to live full and happy lives, even though they still have problems with communication.
Communication Support Pack
Our Communication Support Pack is full of essential accessible information and communication tools to help support you with communication difficulties at home and in the community.
Order a free Communication Support Pack
You can also view or download the information contained in the pack from our communication tools page. Please note you will not be able to view the communication card online - it is only available as part of the Communication Support Pack.
Additional support
Search to see if we run communication support services in your area.
If you are a healthcare professional, visit our professional pages.
Return to aphasia and communication
Further information and advice
Afasic
Supports children and young adults with a communication disability, as well as their parents and the professionals working with them. Has a network of support groups, publications, training and online message boards.
Aphasia software finder
This website has information about software programs and apps for people with aphasia in the English language.
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Allows you to search for a local speech and language therapist within the UK. Also offers useful resources, materials and therapeutic ideas for people with aphasia.
Aphasia Alliance
Offers information, top tips and useful resources. The website also provides links to UK aphasia organisations.
Find out more
Find more practical help and support for communication problems after stroke on our communication tools page.