Verbal communication disorders in brain damaged post-stroke patients in Benin

AbstractIn Western countries, progress has lessened the severity of numerous sequels of verbal communication disorders (VCD). For Africa and more particularly Benin, few data on the subject are presently available.ObjectiveTo analyze the occurrence and development of post-stroke VCD in Benin.MethodA retrospective, descriptive and analytical study focused on 563 post-stroke patients treated in rehabilitation department of the National university hospital of Cotonou (CNHU) from January 2006 through December 2010.ResultsVCD prevalence was 42.10%. Average age was 57.17±12.62years, sex ratio was 1.75, and 74.69% were right-handed. VCD affected oral expression (95.78%), written expression (2.11%), oral comprehension (13.08%) and written comprehension or reading (0.84%). Type of stroke, sex and age had no impact on VCD occurrence following stroke. Only 5.91% of the patients underwent speech therapy. Progression was favorable in 21.09% of the cases studied.ConclusionIn Benin, post-stroke VCD is exceedingly common and occasions major social difficulties. Prevalence of VCD in a predominantly oral culture underscores the need for speech therapists to develop a more broadly ecological approach toward treatment

Resumption to work after cerebrovascular accident in Cotonou

Stroke affects more and more young and active population. For many survivors, the resumption to work is very complex [1]. The reduction in productivity, which ensues from it because of the sequel is a brake for the development. Restoration of function and rehabilitation are very important to prevent or reduce these sequelae.ObjectiveStudy resumption to work after stroke in Cotonou and factors that influence it.MethodProspective and transversal study, realized from September 5th till December 3rd, 2012. It was about 114 subjects, victims of stroke at least 6 months before the period of study, having an employment before the cerebrovascular accident, not hospitalized during the period of study for stroke or other pathology affecting the prognosis for survival and having consented to participate to this study. The tests of Chi-square, reduced gap and Kruskal-Wallis were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsSubjects are from 30 to 59 years old with an average of 49.4 years. They were for the greater part men (63.2%). 53.5% returned to a professional activity. This work was the same for half of them, without modification of the workstation. Motivating factors of this resumption were boredom (54%), fear of the dismissal (29.5%), need of money (16.4%). For those who did not resume work, the lack of strength was the main reason evoked. The initial profession, the number of children in charge, a depression, the risk of fall and the level of motor FIM influenced the resumption in a professional activity.Discussion and conclusionOccupational reintegration of patients after stroke is complex and requires the collaboration of several participants such as physiotherapist, social worker, employer, company doctor, family, with the patient in the center