Wednesday, August 28, 2013

How long will this last?

I can't tell you how many times I have had loved ones ask me the question "How long will this last?" or "How long until he is back to normal?".  Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer.  "This" being aphasia, is not a virus or a bacteria that can be treated and just goes away one day.   I wish it were that easy.  Recovery is often a slow, long process and becoming "normal" again may or may not happen.  Each person is different and each recovery is different.   

Recovery is influenced by many factors including the age of the individual, motivation, family support, and the amount of therapy received (often dictated by insurance).   That is not to say, if the individual has all these things going for him that he will be back to normal in no time.  It just means the prognosis is better for recovery.  Obviously, if the individual is not motivated and doesn't want to participate in therapy, then his progress will be limited. 

Recovery may take a few weeks, months or years;  just don't give up hope.

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