Aphasia severity and factors predicting language recovery in the chronic stage of stroke

What is already known on the subject A number of studies have reported language recovery occurring in the acute stages of post-stroke aphasia and the factors predicting it. There is limited literature focusing on language recovery occurring between two time points in the chronic stages of stroke especially in the Indian population, and the demographic, lesion- and aphasia-related factors that contribute towards it are poorly understood. What this paper adds to the existing knowledge Language recovery occurs in the chronic stage of stroke aphasia and is predicted by socio-economic status and aphasia severity at baseline assessment. In our study, language recovery was found to take place even in the absence of formal speech and language intervention, thus indicating that spontaneous recovery continues well into the chronic stage as well. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this study? This study will provide clinicians with an understanding of the language recovery occurring in chronic stroke aphasia as well as the factors influencing recovery, thus serving as a guide for evidence-based prognostic statements. Evidence of language recovery in the chronic stage will encourage patients to attend intensive speech and language therapy in this stage resulting in significant improvement in language functions.