After two years of suffering a stroke, Nithin Kamath, 46, has opened up about recovery, which is still ongoing as he is working on improving his ability to speak. “I had a stroke. My ability to speak is now a drawback. Things come up in your mind, but you can’t speak in terms of words. So, once I got back to work, and when you have to lead a team, and if you can’t speak properly, how will you lead? And that was the question I had. It’s a battle. Every day, you have to get up and fight,” Kamath said at the Peakst8 Festival in Bengaluru.
He added, “I recently got a speech therapist who told me my writing is not bad, and she said if you write, your speech will get better. Every night, I take a piece of journaling for half an hour and write whatever I feel like. So, yes, it’s been a journey.”
Taking a cue from his admission, we reached out to an expert to understand stroke and speech issues.
Dr Prashant Makhija, consultant neurologist at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said that after a stroke, people can face communication challenges for various reasons. “One common issue is dysarthria, a speech disorder caused by weakness in the tongue, lips, or facial muscles. In this case, a person knows exactly what they want to say, understands language well, and can often read and write, but they struggle to speak clearly,” said Dr Makhija.
Another problem involves language, where the brain has trouble with understanding, finding words, naming objects, reading, or writing. Both issues can happen after a stroke, but they are different and need different approaches, the expert added.
How is dysarthria different from a language problem?
Dysarthria is mainly a problem with speech clarity, emphasised Dr Makhija. “The brain knows the word, but the muscles can’t produce it properly. Language problems are more complicated. A person may forget names, mix up words, struggle to follow conversations, or find reading and writing difficult. This difference matters because treatment varies for each issue.”
Is speech or language loss permanent after a stroke?
Not necessarily, affirmed Dr Makhija, continuing: “The brain can reorganise and adjust, which is known as neuroplasticity. With time, therapy, and regular practice, many patients show improvement. Recovery can be slow and uneven, but significant progress can happen for months or even years.”
How important is therapy in recovery?
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Therapy plays a key role in recovery, but it must be focused. “Dysarthria requires speech-based exercises to strengthen muscles and improve clarity. Language problems need structured therapy aimed at speaking, understanding, reading, and writing,” said Dr Makhija.
How does writing help?
Communication issues can impact confidence and relationships.
“Many worry about being misunderstood. Using alternative methods, such as written communication, speaking slowly, or using visual cues, can help individuals continue to perform and lead effectively,” said Dr Makhija.
According to Dr Makhija, writing is helpful for language recovery because it activates multiple language networks in the brain. “Journaling, making notes, or writing short thoughts can aid in recalling words and improving communication skills. For some, writing becomes a way to regain confident speech,” said Dr Makhija.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
