Because Every Voice Deserves to Be Heard Again
Helping Stroke Survivors Regain Their Voice and Confidence
When Words Won’t Come After a Stroke
A stroke changes life in an instant. For many survivors, physical recovery is just the beginning of finding words, forming sentences, and understanding speech can feel like climbing a mountain.
This condition is called Post-Stroke Aphasia; a language disorder caused by damage to the brain’s speech and comprehension centers. It affects not only the person recovering, but also their loved ones trying to communicate and connect.
At Jaslok Hospital’s Restorative & Regenerative Medicine Department, we combine advanced therapies, including Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS), to support language recovery and give patients the tools to express themselves again.
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What is Post-Stroke Aphasia?
Aphasia occurs when a stroke damages parts of the brain that control language, such as Broca’s area or Wernicke’s area. It can affect speaking, understanding, reading, and writing.
Common Signs of Aphasia:
- Struggling to find the right words (word-finding difficulty)
- Speaking in short or incomplete sentences
- Using incorrect words or sounds
- Difficulty understanding spoken or written language
- Frustration when trying to communicate
How is Post-Stroke Aphasia Usually Treated?
- Speech and Language Therapy for Aphasia Recovery
Traditional speech therapy for aphasia includes naming exercises, repetition drills, Melodic Intonation Therapy, and functional communication tasks. Long-term consistency is key, and starting early yields better outcomes.
- Medications and Neuro-Rehabilitation
Some medications are being researched for brain recovery after stroke. Combined with cognitive rehabilitation and speech therapy, they may support incremental recovery.
- Lifestyle and Family Support
A language-rich environment, emotional support, and caregiver encouragement play a huge role in improving outcomes.
While these therapies are essential, they sometimes need additional support to re-activate damaged brain circuits. This is where Deep TMS comes in.
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Why Standard Therapy Sometimes Isn’t Enough
Limited reach to damaged brain areas – Speech therapy relies on the patient’s active participation, which can be challenging in severe aphasia.
Slow progress – Improvements may take months or plateau after a certain point.
Doesn’t directly stimulate neuroplasticity – The brain’s ability to rewire itself is critical for recovery, but traditional therapies don’t activate it directly.
Deep TMS: Advanced Therapy for Post‑Stroke Aphasia
Deep Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Deep TMS) FDA-cleared for neurologic rehabilitation is a non-invasive, outpatient brain stimulation therapy targeting deep language networks like the right inferior frontal gyrus (mirror region of Broca’s area), boosting naming, repetition, fluency, and comprehension. It’s now among the most promising approaches for aphasia rehabilitation in Mumbai and India.
Studies suggest that Deep TMS:
- Improves speech fluency and word retrieval in post-stroke aphasia patients
- Activates dormant neural pathways involved in language
- May accelerate recovery when combined with traditional speech therapy
- Safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated
How Deep TMS Works in Aphasia Treatment
Mechanism & Integration with Speech Therapy
- Targets neuroplasticity; rewiring neural circuits key to language recovery
- Best when paired with synchronous speech exercises (“Hebbian pairing”), boosting gains vs. therapy alone.
- Safe: minor temporary side effects like headache or scalp tingling; seizures are exceedingly rare (<0.1%) under standard protocols
Protocol Template for Best Outcomes
- 15 daily sessions of low-frequency (1 Hz) Deep TMS over the right inferior frontal gyrus, 10 minutes each.
- Combined with concurrent speech and naming practice for enhanced language activation and learning
- Usually applied after 6 months post-stroke in patients with nonfluent aphasia ; the subgroup most likely to benefit
Why Choose Jaslok Hospital for Aphasia Care?
- India’s First Comprehensive dTMS Program
- Multidisciplinary team including neurologists, speech therapists, and psychologists
- Personalized programs combining Deep TMS and speech therapy
- 50 years of trusted care in complex neurological conditions
Your Recovery Journey at Jaslok Hospital
- Comprehensive Language Assessment
Our team evaluates speech, comprehension, and cognitive functions.
- Personalized Treatment Plan
Combining Deep TMS and speech therapy tailored to your needs.
- Outpatient Therapy Sessions
Gentle, painless Deep TMS alongside practical language exercises.
- Ongoing Support for Patients and Families
Regular progress reviews and guidance for caregivers.
Deep TMS vs Traditional Therapies
| Therapy Approach | How It Works | Limitations |
| Speech & Language Therapy alone | Practice-based speech drills | Slow progress, may plateau |
| Medications / Neuro-rehab only | Indirect support for neural recovery | Not targeted to language circuits |
| Deep TMS + concurrent speech therapy | Targeted stimulation + Hebbian pairing | Faster gains, directly stimulates recovery |
| Deep TMS (alone) | Neural modulation for language networks | Works best when combined with tasks |
Advanced Care for Restoring Speech and Understanding
Every moment counts after a stroke. With Jaslok Hospital’s advanced care, you can give your loved one the tools to communicate and connect again.
FAQ's
What is Deep TMS in stroke recovery?
It’s a non-invasive brain stimulation therapy that targets damaged speech areas to improve language function after a stroke.
Can Deep TMS help with aphasia after a stroke?
Yes. It stimulates Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas to improve speech, comprehension, and communication.
How many sessions of Deep TMS are needed for aphasia?
Typically 20–30 sessions over 4–6 weeks under medical supervision.
Is Deep TMS better than speech therapy alone?
It works best with speech therapy, enhancing results by directly stimulating the brain.
Are there side effects of Deep TMS?
Deep TMS is generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects include mild scalp discomfort or headache during treatment. There’s no downtime, and most patients resume regular activity immediately.
How soon can you start Deep TMS after a stroke?
The earlier, the better. Starting Deep TMS within a few months of the stroke, during the brain’s highest plasticity window, can lead to faster and more noticeable improvements in speech and cognitive recovery.
Who can get Deep TMS for aphasia?
Stroke survivors with persistent language issues or slow progress with standard therapy.
Is Deep TMS available in Mumbai or India for post-stroke language loss?
Yes. Jaslok Hospital in Mumbai offers Deep TMS as part of its Restorative & Regenerative Medicine services, making it one of the few centers in India to offer this advanced stroke recovery therapy.
What’s the success rate of Deep TMS in aphasia?
While results vary, studies have shown significant improvement in speech fluency, comprehension, and naming ability in many patients who undergo Deep TMS. Consistency and early intervention increase success rates.