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

Background: 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. Objective: 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. Methods: We report of Patient X who attempted suicide by hanging. The patient was admitted and a detailed speech and language evaluation was completed. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.

Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD): a service need

Alcohol-related dementia (ARD) is a controversial concept. Alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) is a term used to cover a spectrum of conditions and disorders: this includes alcohol-related dementia, Korsakoff's syndrome, Wernicke's encephalopathy, alcohol-related brain injury, and alcohol amnesic syndrome. In other words, these are the conditions that have been induced by chronic alcohol consumption, resulting in some degree of brain damage. The prevalence data are varied.