Neurogenic Communication Disorders

Neurogenic communication disorders can be both congenital (from birth) and acquired (developed after birth) thus they can be present at ANY age of life and due to a large number of causes such as disease, other disorders or damage to the brain. Causes of neurogenic communication disorders may include but are not limited to:
  • cerebral palsy
  • spina bifida
  • hydrocephalus
  • traumatic brain injury
  • repeated concussions
  • brain and spinal cord tumors
  • pervasive developmental disorder
  • seizure disorder
  • stroke
  • transverse myelitis
  • primary progressive aphasia
  • parkinson's disease
  • multiple sclerosis
  • muscular dystrophy
  • cerebellar degeneration
  • epilepsy
  • infection
  • other neurological disease or conditions
This can result in a variety of speech, language, cognitive-linguistic and swallowing problems. Many of these concerns can be very mild and overlooked until the an event occurs requiring the particular skill and then the person shows significant difficulty. In addition some entire aspects of communication are easily overlooked and thus not treated such as poor interpersonal communication, poor cognitive-linguistic skills or changes in either of these areas after a stroke or brain injury. There are five primary areas of neurogenic communication disorders.
  • Developmental speech/language delay is seen when the developmental sequence of speech and/or language skills is not occurring on the expected schedule. This could be in regards to speech, receptive language, expressive language or pragmatic/interpersonal skills. A delay is also separated from that of a disorder though they may share many similar treatment techniques.
  • Speech/language disorder is the abnormal production of speech, use of language or understanding of language. This included pragmatic/interpersonal communication skills, an area frequently overlooked. These can be seen in children with abnormalities in their development or adults as the result of disease or damage to the brain. 
  • Voice disorders are conditions that affect the production, quality and functional use of ones voice. Treatment frequently targets the minimizing negative voice qualities and/or preventing their occurrence entirely. Frequently this can include treatment for proper breathing and breath support as well as speaking techniques. 
  • Cognitive-linguistic deficits arises from problems in the underlying thought processes involved in communication. For example, difficulties in attention, memory, reasoning or planning can affect a person’s ability to communicate effectively. The treatment of such concerns involves identifying the impact of these tasks on everyday activities, and finding ways either to circumvent these deficits or to restore or maximize cognitive function.

People of any age can have neurogenic communication disorders. The type and treatment of the disorder varies greatly depending on if it is congenital or acquired; and the age of the person. Neurogenic communication disorders are treatable, but mild disorder, cognitive-linguistic deficits and pragmatic/interpersonal deficits frequently go overlooked and untreated.

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