The Impact of Poststroke Aphasia on Quality of Life: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

The study aimed to analyze the impact of aphasia on quality of life (QoL) in persons with ischemic stroke per radiological severity, compare equally severe but nonaphasic stroke survivors, and analyze the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) exposure. Methods: Patients with first-ever middle cerebral artery (MCA) stroke were categorized by radiological severity into high, intermediate, and low Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS). The Stroke Aphasia Quality of Life (SAQoL) Scale was used for outcome analysis. Inclusion criteria were age 40-65, 12-16 months after stroke, MCA distribution, first stroke, and ischemic stroke. Exclusion criteria were mixed vessel involvement and concomitant neurological, orthopedic, or psychiatric comorbidities.

Among 93 patients with ischemic stroke, 87% presented with intermediate-to-low ASPECTS. According to the SAQoL, locomotion and transfers were the most compromised. QoL was significantly negatively correlated with higher ASPECTS and greater stroke impact in those with aphasia overall (p = 0.001). Those who received HBOT overall were significantly better than those who did not, regardless of group (p = 0.02 and 0.03).

The present study shows that the radiological severity of stroke relates to QoL in those with poststroke aphasia. Among those with equal radiological severity, those with aphasia are worse off. Those who receive HBOT have better QoL.