What is aphasia?
Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by damage to the language areas of the brain. It can affect a person’s ability to:
- Speak and express their thoughts
- Understand what others are saying
- Read and understand written information
- Translate thoughts into written text
Aphasia most commonly occurs following a stroke, but it can also result from a brain injury, brain tumour or brain infection.
Every person experiences aphasia differently. While communication may be more challenging, many people benefit from support, therapy and practical communication strategies.
Speech and Language Therapy support
Northern Trust Speech and Language Therapists provide assessment, treatment and support for people who have been newly diagnosed with aphasia following a stroke.
Support is available during a hospital stay at:
- Antrim Area Hospital
- Causeway Hospital
- Whiteabbey Hospital (inpatient rehabilitation wards)
- Mid Ulster Hospital (inpatient rehabilitation wards)
Following discharge from hospital, patients may be referred to their local Community Stroke Team for ongoing Speech and Language Therapy support, where appropriate.
How to contact us
Hospital Speech and Language Therapy (SLT) Services
Antrim Area Hospital (Inpatient SLT)
- Telephone: 028 9442 4442
Causeway Hospital (Inpatient SLT)
- Telephone: 028 7034 7859
Whiteabbey Hospital (SLT)
- Telephone: 028 9055 2328
Mid Ulster Hospital (SLT)
- Telephone: 028 7936 6970
Community Stroke Teams
Antrim and Ballymena Community Stroke Team
- Telephone: 028 9442 6100
Causeway Community Stroke Team
- Telephone: 028 7034 7860
East Antrim Community Stroke Team
- Telephone: 028 9055 2493
Mid Ulster Community Stroke Team
- Telephone: 028 7936 6984