Speech Language Pathology
People are referred to speech-language pathology at the VCU Parkinson’s Movement Disorders Center for assessment of voice, speech, language, cognition, and swallowing. The role of the speech-language pathologist is to assess, treat, and counsel individuals with impairments that may reduce quality of life, limit function, and restrict participation in activities that result from their underlying condition.
How to schedule with Speech Language Pathology at the PDMC
We require a referral from a physician and recent medical records. We strongly suggest that you obtain a formal diagnosis from a neurologist.
- To determine if your voice, speech, language, cognition, or swallowing has changed. Disorders of any of these functions may occur early in the course of movement disorders. Not only may our findings help the doctor make a final diagnosis, but any of these impairments may significantly worsen your quality of life. The earlier we can treat these problems, the more greater the likelihood that we can improve your function.
- For people with Parkinson disease and Parkinson Plus conditions, starting therapy early will result in far better long term outcomes. We offer LSVT LOUD® therapy with certified clinicians as well as the Speak Out! Therapy Program with licensed providers. Also when indicated we offer EMST and PhoRTE therapies. Traditional speech therapy techniques will also be used as needed.
- For our movement disorder patients who need augmentative or assistive communication devices, we can refer to VCU’s Assistive Technology Lab at Children’s Hospital of Richmond on Brook Road.
- To determine the rate of change in a symptom. Whether symptoms progress slowly or rapidly treatment will be tailored to your needs. Our goal is to promote optimization of function: more successful communication, cognition, and swallowing.
You will be seen by a speech-language pathologist specializing in neurologic disorders. The speech pathologist may recommend specialized tests for swallowing (the modified barium swallow and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) which are conducted at different sites with the VCU system.
- Questionnaires regarding how your symptoms affect you in your everyday life
- Depending on your complaints, a comprehensive evaluation of your voice, speech, language, cognition, and/or swallowing.
- We will perform acoustic analysis of your voice if indicated
- If you are referred to the Assistive Technology Lab, the speech pathologists there will help you choose an appropriate technology.
- If imaging of swallowing is required, we will refer you to Stony Point or the Main Hospital downtown for specialized assessments of your swallowing.
- We will discuss therapy options, if they are indicated, and offer strategies that you can immediately initiate to help you improve.
Following your appointment, the results and recommendations of your evaluation will be provided to you, your referring physician, and anyone you would like to have included in your care. Should it be determined that you would benefit from speech-language therapy, we will either schedule at the Parkinson Disease and Movement Disorders Center (either at Short Pump or North Hospital downtown), or facilitate referral to a closer local provider.
To prepare for your evaluation, we recommend you:
- Get a good night’s rest.
- Eat meals as you typically would.
- Take all of your prescription medications as prescribed, unless otherwise instructed.