PURPOSES: to assess the presence and evolution of swallowing complaints in post-stroke aphasic patients and, based on reports by family members on symptom improvements, to determine the influence of aphasia on the prognosis of dysphagia. METHOD: 30 post-stroke aphasic patients at the chronic phase were interviewed and, together with family members, answered a questionnaire on the presence and persistence of post-stroke swallowing complaints and related aspects, including improvements in dysphagia and aphasia. Kaplan-Meier curves of dysphagia complainers and non-complainers were compared to verify the influence of swallowing complaints on the prognosis of aphasia. RESULTS: 48% of patients reported swallowing problems after the stroke. Out of them, 93% showed positive changes (partial or total resolution of dysphagia symptoms). The average time for patient improvement (spontaneous or otherwise) was 76 days. 60% of the subjects reported total resolution of dysphagia symptoms, 47% of underwent speech therapy. Regarding aphasia, 87% of patients reported some improvement, although no patient reported full resolution of the symptoms. A total of 57% had undergone speech therapy to treat aphasia. The average time reported for positive change in patients was 183 days. No significant difference in aphasia improvement was observed between dysphagia complainers and non-complainers. CONCLUSIONS: out of the aphasic patients assessed in this study, 48% reported swallowing complaints. Based on reports by family members, aphasia had no impact on the prognosis of dysphagia.
Swallowing Disorders; Aphasia; Rehabilitation; Stroke; Swallowing; Language
