Isolation of speech area syndrome (ISAS): A follow-up study - A rehabilitative approach

Purpose : In this study we present our findings concerning the dynamics of language modalities in the isolation of the speech area syndrome (ISAS). The aim of the study was to establish: (1) the linguistic characteristic features of this group of patients; (2) the course of dynamics of language of each patient; (3) whether this course of dynamics is common for the whole group; (4) whether the course of dynamics we found matches with the report in the literature. Method: Over a period of 5 years, nine patients with ISAS were diagnosed and treated in our department. They received varying lengths of treatment, and four were followed for 2-6 years after discharge. Results: Despite the common belief that the prognosis for language rehabilitation for these patients is poor, we found that some ISAS patients improved, even dramatically, after prolonged language treatment. Conclusion: It is hoped that these findings will alter clinicians' attitudes towards these patients, and provide some hope for rehabilitation outcome.