Overview
Aphasia is a language disorder caused by damage to the brain's area that controls language expression and comprehension. Aphasia impairs one's ability to communicate effectively with others. Aphasia usually happens all of a sudden after a stroke or a head injury. However, it can also occur gradually as a result of a slow-growing brain tumor or a disease that causes progressive, permanent damage (degenerative). The severity of aphasia is determined by a number of factors, including the cause and extent of brain damage. Both men and women are affected equally, and the majority of people with aphasia are in their 40s to 50s.
Once the underlying cause has been identified, the primary treatment for aphasia is speech and language therapy. The person with aphasia relearns and practices language skills, as well as learns to communicate in other ways. Family members are frequently involved in the process, assisting the individual in effective communication.
Aphasia comes in a variety of forms. These are typically diagnosed based on which area of the brain's language-dominant side is affected and the extent of the damage.
Kinds of Aphasia
Broca's aphasia, Wernicke's aphasia, and global aphasia are the three types of aphasia. All three have an impact on your ability to speak and/or understand language.
- Broca's aphasia, also known as Expressive aphasia, is a type of aphasia that is defined by a partial loss of the ability to produce language (spoken, manual, or written), while comprehension remains intact. A person with expressive aphasia will speak with effort.
- Wernicke's aphasia is a language disorder that makes it difficult to understand and communicate words. Damage to the part of your brain that controls language causes this disorder. It causes a loss of language ability and is extremely frustrating. It is also called fluent or comprehensive aphasia
- Global aphasia. This type of aphasia is identified by poor comprehension and difficulty forming words and sentences. Global aphasia is caused by extensive damage to the language networks in the brain. People who have global aphasia have significant difficulties with expression and comprehension.
Causes of Aphasia
Stroke is the most common cause of aphasia. Moreover, any type of brain damage can prompt aphasia. This includes brain tumors, traumatic brain injury, and progressive brain disorders.Syptoms of Aphasia
The symptoms of aphasia vary depending on the type.- People with Broca aphasia, also known as expressive aphasia, may eliminate the words "and" and "the" from their language and speak in short, but meaningful, sentences. They usually understand some of what others say.
- People with Broca's aphasia frequently have right-sided weakness or paralysis of the arm and leg because the damage is in the front part of the brain, which is also important for motor movements.
- Wernicke aphasia, also known as receptive aphasia, causes people to speak in long, confusing sentences, add unnecessary words, or make up new words. They frequently have difficulty understanding other people's speech.
When to See a Doctor
Because aphasia is frequently a symptom of a more serious problem, such as a stroke, seek immediate medical attention if you experience:- Difficulty speaking
- Speech misunderstanding
- Difficulty remembering words
- Reading or writing difficulties
How to Test Aphasia
A set of comprehensive language tests administered by a speech-language pathologist can assess and confirm aphasia, the extent of the disorder, and the likelihood of successful treatment. Speech, naming, repetition, comprehension, reading, and writing are all part of these tests. Making a diagnosis may also entail using imaging procedures to examine the brain.Treatments for Aphasia
Speech and language therapy is usually recommended as a treatment for aphasia. Without treatment, aphasia can sometimes improve on its own.
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