Speech-Language Pathology

The Communication and Swallowing Disorders Department at Shaughnessy-Kaplan Rehabilitation Hospital provides a wide range of evaluative and treatment services to help patients maximize their communication, cognitive, or swallowing skills. Speech-Language Pathologists work individually or with other team members to return the patient to their highest level of functioning in the community.

Speech-Language Pathologists provide expert care for patients who experience stroke, brain injury, head/neck cancer, neuromuscular diseases (including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease), tracheostomy and ventilator dependence.

Problems Treated
	•	Aphasia (difficulty with language after a stroke)
	•	Apraxia (motor planning difficulties in speech)
	•	Dysarthria (slurred speech)
	•	Disfluency (stuttering)
	•	Voice Disorders (e.g., vocal cord paralysis, hoarseness, dysphonia)
	•	Impaired memory, orientation, attention/concentration, problem solving and organization
	•	Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)

Specialized Programs/Procedures
	•	Modified Barium Swallow Studies - performed in conjunction with the Salem Hospital Radiology physicians to diagnose swallowing disorders and to guide the treatment program.
	•	Videostroboscopy - conducted with the North Shore Ear, Nose and Throat physicians to diagnose and treat voice disorders.
	•	Deep Pharyngeal Neuromuscular Stimulation - a technique designed to treat some swallowing disorders.
	•	VitalStim Therapy - a swallowing treatment which uses electrical stimulation to improve the function of the muscles used in swallowing.
	•	Alternative and Augmentative Communication - high and low technology for use with aphasic and nonverbal patients.
	•	Speaking Valve and Artificial Larynges - used to assist the communication process with tracheostomy and ventilator dependent patients.