Aphasia

Aphasia

Aphasia is a condition that robs you of the ability to communicate. Aphasia can affect your ability to express and understand language, both verbal and written.

Aphasia typically occurs suddenly after a stroke or a head injury. But it can also come on gradually from a slowly growing brain tumor or a degenerative disease. The amount of disability depends on the location and the severity of the brain damage.

Once the underlying cause has been treated, the primary treatment for aphasia is speech therapy that focuses on relearning and practicing language skills and using alternative or supplementary communication methods. Family members often participate in the therapy process and function as communication partners of the person with aphasia.

There are four main types:

-Expressive aphasia – you know what you want to say, but you have trouble saying or writing what you mean.

-Receptive aphasia – you hear the voice or see the print, but you can’t make sense of the words.

-Anomic aphasia – you have trouble using the correct word for objects, places, or events.

-Global aphasia – you can’t speak, understand speech, read, or write.

Some people recover from aphasia without treatment. Most, however, need language therapy as soon as possible.

Until next time…
Chris