The return of language after brain trauma – The Science Show – ABC News

Language sets humans apart in the animal world. Language allows us to communicate complex ideas and emotions. But too often after brain injury be it stroke or trauma, language is lost. Erin Godecke is Associate Professor of Speech and Hearing Science at Edith Curtin University in Perth. She also treats patients with neurological conditions at the Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. Erin studies language recovery after stroke and uses intensive speech and language therapy in treating patients. Erin says when speech is lost following brain injury, the language is still present in the brain, it is the pathways which have been damaged and need repair. She says treatment can be any activity that requires the brain to accesses words such as talking or word games.

Guest Erin Godecke Associate Professor of Speech and Hearing Science Department of Speech Pathology Edith Curtin University Perth WA

Presenter Robyn Williams

Producer David Fisher

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The return of language after brain trauma - The Science Show - ABC News