Taylor Neuro Specialists

Cognitive-communication therapy may be indicated for those who have experienced a stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain cancer, or various forms of dementia. Interventions may target orientation, immediate/short-term/long-term memory, planning, sequencing, organization of thoughts, financial and medication management, initiation, inhibition, insight, basic to complex attention, visuospatial, problem solving, and reasoning skills.  Caregivers also benefit from support and education to help maintain quality of life and independence, avoid burnout, and recognize when transitioning to a further level of care is necessary. Compensatory strategies are commonly beneficial to improve safety and daily functioning.

Swallowing impairments (dysphagia) may be caused by stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Alzheimer's disease, cancer of the mouth/throat/esophagus, head and neck injuries/surgeries, or poor dentition. Dysphagia significantly affects quality of life and can ultimately cause respiratory infections such as aspiration pneumonia. Eating is a social activity, provides pleasure, and can usually be preserved with alternative textures or liquid, compensatory strategies or exercise regimen. We offer intensive VitalStim (neuromuscular electrical stimulation) and Myofascial Release for those who are determined to be appropriate candidates. 

Apraxia occurs when there is a breakdown in motor planning from the brain to the nerves that control coordination of muscles necessary to make speech sounds. 

Dysarthria is often described as"slurred" speech caused by muscle weakness often due to brain damage. 

Aphasia presents as difficulty understanding language, reading, writing, prolonged searching for words, "broken" or "nonsense speech" often following damage to the left side of brain.

These disorders may occur concurrently and it is important to see a speech-language pathologist to evaluate and treat most appropriately.

Voice disorders occur when vocal quality, pitch, and/or loudness are compromised resulting in alterations to respiratory, laryngeal and vocal tract mechanisms. You may benefit from voice therapy if you have any of the following: spasmodic dysphonia, paradoxical vocal fold movement, muscle tension dysphonia, vocal fold paralysis or paresis, polyps/nodules/cysts, "throat" cancer, recurrent laryngeal nerve damage, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, pre- and post- laryngectomy. We are LSVT certified.

When communication is difficult as a result of stroke, brain injury, or neurological disease, alternative and augmentative forms of communication (AAC) devices can be utilized. We coordinate evaluations and implementation of AAC devices with local companies and manufacturers, ensuring the most appropriate device is obtained for you and your loved one.