PLORAS
( Predicting Language Outcome and Recovery After Stroke)
I was invited to take part in a research study called PLORAS on 28th May 2019.
The study include’s hundreds of people who have had a stroke. They carry out a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans of their brain and assess their speech and language with some tests.
Then, they will then find patterns between the exact area of stroke damage in the brain and each person’s speech and language abilities.
It will help them to understand: –
· Why some people have difficulties with speech and language after their stroke and others do not
· Why some people quickly recover speech and language after their stroke, but others take much longer.
I was very happy to do this and contribute to the research.
I took the train to London Victoria and then a taxi and arrived in plenty of time at the Welcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging in Queens Square opposite the National Hospital of Neurology and Neurosurgery where I went to do the Stem Cell trial, nearly 2 years ago.
Kate was really nice and told me what I would be expecting through out the day. Obviously there was some paperwork to do about my history etc and then we went to the MRI scan.
Afterwards, we went back to another room and we did loads of tests with the computer. It lasted about 2 hours.
There was a language assessment, I got given some tasks that would involve some speaking/ understanding/reading/writing and cognitive (thinking) also, what happened when I first had the Stroke, then a month after, then a year after and now. Also, there were some questions about my stroke and my recovery
In a way, some of the questions and answers made me think that I actually was pleased with myself, that I have come a long way. My arm, leg and my speech still keep improving, every month.
So, the experience was a positive one, even thought I knew it would be for other Stroke patients but I was pleased with the whole day.
It will take a number of years to complete the study but it will be good for new Stroke patients to help, or predict the recovery of those who have similar strokes and language abilities.
Starting Again Life after 50 