Monday Oct 23, 2023
Speech Therapy After Brain Injury (Part 1): with Catherine Davies
In this episode of Brain Injury Bites, Brooke Trotter and Ashwini Kamath are joined by Catherine Davies, a specialist speech and language therapist from SLT for Life, to explore the wide-ranging impact of communication and swallowing difficulties after a brain injury.
Catherine explains how speech and language therapy goes far beyond speech, helping with everything from breath control and word finding to emotional expression, social interaction and safe swallowing. Brooke reflects on his own journey through therapy, sharing real-life challenges and surprising insights, including how video feedback, dysarthria, and even jokes about venison played a role in his recovery.
They explore:
- What speech and language therapy really involves after brain injury
- Why swallowing is automatic, and how it can become dangerous when it goes wrong
- Dysarthria, dyspraxia and how damaged muscles affect speech clarity
- Cognitive fatigue, word finding, and the struggle to keep up in conversation
- The emotional impact of losing confidence, self-awareness and social skills
- Literal interpretation, humour and the hidden challenges of everyday interaction
Whether you are adjusting to life after brain injury or supporting someone who is, this episode offers clinical insight, personal experience, and real compassion for the complex role communication plays in recovery.
For a transcript, follow the link below:
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Notice:
Information and other content provided in this Podcast should not be taken as providing medical advice or recommendations. Please always consult your doctor or treating team for medical advice.
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