Speech therapy plays a crucial role in the neurosurgery department, particularly when caring for patients with neuro-oncological pathologies. Here are some key points about its importance:
1. Cognitive rehabilitation: Patients with brain tumors may experience cognitive impairment. The speech therapist evaluates and re-educates cognitive functions, such as memory, attention and language, to improve quality of life and recovery⁶.
2. Awake surgery: Some brain tumors can be removed under awake conditions, based on functional rather than anatomical limits. The speech therapist assesses cognitive functions during surgery and contributes to post-operative rehabilitation⁷.
3. Quality of life: Speech therapy not only treats symptoms, but also aims to improve patients’ quality of life. It takes psycho-affective aspects into account and adapts to each stage of the disease.
In short, speech therapy in the neurosurgery department is essential to support neuro-oncology patients, promote their recovery and preserve their cognitive function.