Hi,
I am nearly 7 years post stroke and am still having issues recognising numbers, sometimes mixing numbers up or not able to identify an incorrect number. I even say the wrong number e.g. '5' when i am reading the number '3'. I don't have this concern so much with written words. Is there a name for this number issue and if so, what assessments can be done. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Hi Sally
It’s great that you have reached out.
It sounds like you may be suffering from Acalculia.
Acalculia is an acquired impairment in which people have difficulty performing simple mathematical tasks, such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and even simply stating which of two numbers is larger.
Numbers certainly communicate important information about who we are, what we do, and how we move through the world.
Things like you describe, such as recognising numbers, mixing up numbers, reading numbers accurately may all be affected.
Do you have any communication impairments as well? If so, it’s important to rule out that it’s not aphasia.
A speech pathologist can help with assessment and diagnosis.
They will assess where breakdowns in number processing occur and design a treatment program to practice these skills and improve number communication skills.
By mastering one type of number at a time, learning the rules while grading up the level of difficulty , people can practice to become faster and more efficient with numbers.
There are numerous apps available as well that may help in conjunction with therapy such as Tactus and Number Therapy.
Number Therapy for example allows people to master each type of number in isolation and then practice with mixed number types, focusing on listening, reading, speaking, or typing.
Counting up on fingers and writing numbers in the air can be good compensatory strategies in the beginning to trial, but working on visualizing these tricks instead of acting them out can help build independence I the long run.
I have also attached one of our past enable me posts that asks a similar question from our community - Does anyone else have… | enableme - stroke recovery and support
Please speak to your GP about gaining a referral to a Speech pathologist who can complete an assessment and provide you with a suitable and individualised rehab treatment program to help you.
I hope this information helps.
If you need any further information of help finding a suitable Speech pathologist near you, please give us a call on Strokeline on 1800787653
Regards
Alicia ( Strokeline)
Hi Alicia, thanks so much for your response. I think I will try to re-connect with my out-patient Speech Pathology service for a assessment of my current ability. I will also check out Tactus and Numbers Therapy. Cheers, Sally
Its from the stroke , your brain cant decipher numbers that all , one of many side effects , may be a therapist can help or may be they cant , best to see them and let them decide , I saw a speech therapist but when said no I lost my speech permanently , if I talk slow then I can be under stood , its just getting the words out , Always accept each thing , hopefully they might be able to help .
Definitely get it checked. I found that I had aphasia and I would read words with different letters and substitute numbers especially when reading serials or account numbers. I would check and I had to re-check and re-check repeatedly. Especially when fixing settings on my phone or PC, and it made using passwords and bank accounts difficult
Definitely get it checked. I found that I had aphasia and I would read words with different letters and substitute numbers especially when reading serials or account numbers. I would check and I had to re-check and re-check repeatedly. Especially when fixing settings on my phone or PC, and it made using passwords and bank accounts difficult