The speech pathology team helps individuals recover from brain injury due to stroke, head injury or degenerative disease and individuals with voice or swallowing problems. Speech therapy is available while you are in the hospital and at several outpatient locations.

Dysphagia/Swallowing Evaluation and Treatment

Bedside exam or videoflurorscopy of swallowing is used to assess the patient's risk of aspiration. An appropriate diet, strategies and exercise program is then developed to assure the patient's safety and to maintain adequate calorie intake.

Treatment of Speech, Language and Cognitive Impairments

These difficulties can result from stroke, head injury or degenerative disease. Speech can be slurred or difficult to understand and the patient may exhibit apraxia or problems with sound formation/sequencing. The language impaired patient may have problems with expression and comprehension of words through reading, direction following, writing, math and the ability to express daily needs. With cognitive disorders the patient usually exhibits decreased orientation, attention to simple tasks, poor memory, impaired problem solving abilities and poor safety judgment.

Stuttering Evaluation/Treatment

Stuttering is an interrupted flow or rhythm of speech. It is characterized by hesitations, repetitions or prolongation of speech. There may be associated physical movements.

Voice Disorder Evaluation/Treatment

Voice disorders are characterized by a voice that may be too high or too low in pitch, too loud or too soft, or unusually harsh, hoarse, breathy or nasal.

Treatment for Issues Related to Parkinson's Disease/Related Diagnoses

The Speech Pathology is certified in the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) Program. This program is designed to facilitate improved communication in patients with Parkinson's Disease and other related diagnoses.