"Spontaneous" recovery in aphasics after single ischaemic stroke

In a homogeneous group of 75 aphasics after single ischaemic stroke, randomly selected, performance tests were carried out two weeks and one, three and six months post-onset. None of them were systematically treated. Both for the global performance and for repetition, naming, auditory comprehension, reading comprehension, writing under dictation as well as for the communicative value of a standard interview, "spontaneous" recovery was more marked during the first three months and obviously reduced between three and six months post-onset. In 28 of these aphasics, the clinical form changed from a severe to a milder form, the fluent or nonfluent character remaining unchanged. Clinical form influenced recovery by the severity of aphasia or by certain symptoms. Initial severity is quite important in recovery, very severe cases being unfavored, severe and mild cases reacting better, while moderate cases recovered the best. Associated oral apraxia had a negative influence while age had a minor effect and sex a doubtful one.