Spontaneous evolution of aphasia after ischaemic stroke

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Abstract
The relatively few studies concerning spontaneous recovery from aphasia yield contradictory findings because of the large number of influencing factors. We have assessed a selected sample of 45 patients, none of whom received language therapy, in order to determine such patients' chances of spontaneous recovery in relation to type and severity of aphasia and size of lesion. Our results show comprehension to have the best recovery, independent of type and severity of aphasia. Expression shows a lower recovery, especially for non-fluent aphasics; their performance is also negatively influenced by oral apraxia. In addition, the overall severity of aphasia, associated with large lesions, is a negative prognostic factor for recovery of expression.