Neurogenic speech sequelae following suicide attempt by hanging: a case report

Attempting suicide by hanging has become one of the most preferred means among adolescents. Individuals who survive a suicide attempt by hanging have a range of deficits, including neuropsychological, neuropsychiatric, pulmonary and even speech and language deficits. Literature regarding speech and language deficits in cases of near hanging is especially limited.

This study aimed to demonstrate the sequelae of neurogenic speech deficits following a suicide attempt by hanging, the treatment strategies, and prognostic issues in one such case.

We report of Patient X who attempted suicide by hanging. The patient was admitted and a detailed speech and language evaluation was completed.

Patient X was diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with organic amnesic syndrome. Consequent to the neurogenic insult, the patient demonstrated speech deficits that were characterized by moderate flaccid dysarthria and neurogenic stuttering. Patient X underwent a week of treatment, subsequent to which there was an improvement in certain speech subsystems. However, the neurogenic stuttering symptoms did not resolve completely even post therapy.

Individuals who survive a suicide attempt by hanging have a range of deficits, including speech deficits that need to be addressed by a speech language pathologist. This case report is an eye opener for speech language pathologists regarding their role in such cases.